Heineken Lager Beer
I have been reviewing beer for the better part of a decade, but I seriously don't think I have ever bought Heineken until now. I have probably had it when offered at some point, though the specific event eludes my memory. The lack of any ability to recall this probably isn't a good thing. Poured from a 500 mL can (to avoid the skunk!), this beer is the expected pale golden colour characteristic of most EPLs. The foamy white head is one-finger thick at first, but retention is poor. Decent cap and lacing remain. Looks fairly heavily carbonated. Smell is actually quite nice albeit nothing fancy; grassy hops and barley malts. Taste is mostly slightly sweet barley/grain malt. There is a twinge of floral hop bitterness in the finish. Very smooth to drink with average carbonation typical of the style. Thin overall but decent body for the style. Not very refreshing... it's not overly sweet but since that's the only major taste, it gets to be a bit much. There's nothing inherently wrong with Heineken, but it's not really worth the price (in Canada, anyway). There are better EPLs available in most areas, but this is a decent last resort with no glaring faults beyond its blandness.