Heineken

Heineken is brewed in 39 separate countries around the world. First brewed in Amsterdam in 1863 a new brewery was opened in Zoeterwoude in a move the helped the brewer begin its assault on the beer markets of Europe.

Origin: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Alcohol/vol: 5.0%

Style: Pilsener, Lager

Average Rating: 6.00 

May appeal on random occasions. Not all the time.

Craig’s tasting

Has anyone ever looked at the Heineken website? its history section reads like a successful version of the Nazi invasion of Europe.

The Heineken brewery has successfully swallowed up countless smaller brewers, first in Europe then the entire world. To the point that Heineken is now brewed in 39 countries, including many Asian nations.

I was first introduced to Heineken as a 12 year old. I was a spectator and budding professional tennis player visiting the Australian Open. My first memory is of John Mcenroe winning a marathon five set match against Emilio Sanchez. The other memory is of hundreds upon hundreds of badly sunburnt but exceptionally pissed Swedes yelling a screaming at anyone who would give them an audience. Their beer of choice was of course Heineken. Which, as crazy as it sounds was the only beer available. It may have had something to do with a major sponsorship deal.

I am a little older and maybe a little wiser now. Lets face it, this is one of the most popular beers ever. It’s a Pilsener, its light in colour, its hoppy and I can drink it in moderation. I have no idea why Swedish backpackers have trouble doing the same.

Danny’s tasting

Most people that have tried an overseas beer before, would have tried a Heineken. I myself have watched the bar keep in Amsterdam scrape the top inch of head off my Heineken with a wooden spatula and serve me a beer still with one inch of head remaining. I seem to recall liking the end result. This was 17 years ago and either the beer is decidedly different in a bottle or my tastes have refined over time. Possibly the latter, as if memory serves, I used to like VB back then. What does that tell you?

I can only rate what I have in front of me though and that being the case I don't have the best of news.

This Heineken tastes like it was at the very least brewed in the same room as a Pilsener and possibly out of the same kettle. To me it has the same weak colour and  aroma I've come to hate. If beauty is in the eye of the beer holder then this is not at all attractive. Not fugly but something you don't want to take home none the less. Suffice to say I'm not a fan.