Archive for October, 2010
Figure 1. Pirate Beer
A note to all you scurvy knaves: Due t’ Halloween festivities, this week’s article will be dressed in a pirate costume complete with a wooden leg, a hook for a hand and a scruffy parrot on its shoulder. Gar, Where can I find a bottle o’rum? (All pirate-talk translations be provided by the landlubbers at talklikeapirateday).
Introduction
Arrr, think o’ Dutch beers and brands such as Heineken, Amstel and Oranjeboom sprin’ t’ mind. Howe’er, thar be plenty o’ other less-well known beers t’ be had. United Dutch Breweries boast an extensive range o’ beers includin’ Weidmann Lager, Phoenix Strong Lager, Three Horses Dark Malt Beverage and Pirate Beer (UDB products, 2010). Pirate Beer is an 8.5% alc. vol. strong lager originally from the Breda Brewery.. A pence for an old man o’de sea?
Aye, pirates seem t’ have a tenuous connection with beer and a more common association with rum feels both more traditional and comfortable. Little information is available from either Breda Brewery or UDB, and this may be due t’ the questionable link between the product and brand mentioned previously. Gaarrr! They should be keel hauled!
Aim
Aye, this experiment was designed t’ investigate numerous characteristics o’ Pirate Beer includin’, but not limited to, aroma, flavour, colour, satisfaction and vessel design. Yarrgh!
Method
Aye, a 500 ml can o’ Pirate Beer was obtained from a local supermarket for NZdoubloons3.99. The can was refrigerated t’ 4oC before the integrity o’ the can was breached under controlled conditions usin’ the supplied puncturin’ device. The contents o’ the can war decanted int’ a clean glass vessel. Aroma was evaluated by smellin’ the beer. Flavour was analysed by tastin’ the beer and discussin’ it with a research collaborator at great length and, subsequently, satisfaction was assessed. Aye, me parrot concurs.
Results
Ahoy, results for Pirate Beer be shown in table 1 below. Ye’ll ne’er get me buried booty!
Table 1. Characteristics of Pirate Beer
| Characteristic | Result |
| Aroma | Aye, sweet caramelly and fruity on the nose with an almost cider-like quality with a suggestion o’ ash tray lin’erin’ in the surroundin’s. Overall, the aroma be faint |
| Flavour | Cloyin’ with a pungent lacquer aftertaste. The heinous taste o’ the beverage caused the researchers t’ abort the experiment and dispose o’ the sample responsibly. Garrr! |
| Colour | A deep yellow colour, bordering on orange |
| Satisfaction | The researchers struggled t’ identify a situation which would befit imbibing such an offensive brew |
| Vessel Design | The can be illustra’ed with a clichéd pirate image, replete with parrot, wooden leg, cutlass, tricorn, eye patch and a cannon in t’ background (see figure 1) |
| Head | A disappointin’ white foam emerges upon pourin’, but recedes to almost nothin’ within 39 seconds. Yarrgh! |
| Drinkability | 2 |
Conclusion
Aye, havin’ sampled Pirate Beer, the researchers now understand why it is not a prominent Dutch beverage. Pirate Beer succeeded in offendin’ on almost all scales. The researchers war reluctant t’ award drinkability scores or 1 because it is not inconceivable that thar be worse be’erages a’ailable. Ye’ll ne’er get me buried booty!
Aye, it is possible that, if pirates had consumed Pirate Beer, this could be the reason behind their frequent use o’ strange noises such as Yarrgh and Garrr and the incorrect use o’ the verb ‘be’. Howe’er, it is beyond the scope o’ this study t’ confirm this hypothesis. Gar, Where can I find a bottle o’rum?
References
Figure 1. Asahi Black
Introduction
Asahi Breweries control Japanese beer consumption with a staggering 40% of the market share (Wikipedia, 2010). Asahi have been producing beer for well over 100 years and have recently started dabbling in beer styles beyond their usual Super Dry offering (Asahi products, 2010). One member of this diversifying range of beverages is Asahi Black (黒生, Kuronama), a 5% alc. vol. “Munich-Type” black lager (Asahi kuronama, 2010).
The English version of the website contains useful information, however, it is the Japanese language website which provides a host of information for the bored imbiber. Aside from the usual downloadable wallpapers, there are additional delights such as “after 9 stories”, history of black lager and black lager cocktail recipes (Asahi kuronama, 2010).
Aim
This experiment was designed to investigate numerous characteristics of Asahi Black including, but not limited to, aroma, flavour, colour, satisfaction and vessel design.
Method
A 350 ml can of Asahi Black was obtained from a specialist Japanese bottle store for NZ$3.80. The can was refrigerated to 4oC before the integrity of the can was breached under controlled conditions using the supplied puncturing device. The contents of the can were decanted into a clean glass vessel. Aroma was evaluated by smelling the beer. Flavour was analysed by tasting the beer and discussing it with a research collaborator at great length and, subsequently, satisfaction was assessed. The glass was held up to a standardised light to evaluate the colour and aesthetic aspects of the vessel were considered.
Results
Results for Asahi Black are shown in table 1 below.
Table 1. Characteristics of Asahi Black
| Characteristic | Result |
| Aroma | Presents a strong roasted malty nose with a chocolatey undercurrent mixed with buckwheat groats and Kiwi brand shoe polish. A slight hint of sweet smoke hides in the background |
| Flavour | First taste is overpowered by considerable fizziness. Once prepared for the carbonation onslaught, the flavour is low on the tongue with bitterness reminiscent of coffee or dark chocolate. A remainder of burnt caramel lingers long after the liquor has been swallowed |
| Colour | Deep shade of brown resembling an iced long black (Americano) coffee with the ice removed, or even a globally renowned cola beverage |
| Satisfaction | Surprisingly drinkable, however the excessive carbonation guarantees that bloatation would determine the final quantity the drinker is able to consume |
| Vessel Design | A gold, black and red can with an interesting crossover of English and Japanese informing of the beverage’s German origins (see figure 1) |
| Head | A fizzy cream-coloured head dissipated within 54 seconds |
| Drinkability | 5 |
Conclusion
The overriding carbonation of Asahi Black tainted the drinking experience and resulted in an uncomfortable, distended-stomach feeling for over 90 minutes after the single can had been finished. It is beyond the scope of the current study to evaluate the performance of Asahi Black when incorporated into the suggested cocktails such as “Fruit Original” or “Moon Stone” (Asahi kuronama, 2010).
Finally, the researchers were left with a nagging question about the paradox which arises from the naming of the product. Asahi translates to rising sun, but when coupled with ‘black’ an uncomfortable illogicality of the rising sun delivering blackness occurs. However, rumination surrounding this troublesome absurdity was frequently interrupted by severe bouts of eructation.
References
http://www.asahibeer.co.jp/english/index.html
http://asahibeer.co.jp/kuronama/
Figure 1. Ozeki Nama Chozou
Introduction
Japan, home of cherry blossom, sumo, bizarre animation characters and raw fish, has also perfected the production of rice wine, or sake. The production of sake dates back at least 1500 years in its modern form and possibly a further 2000 years before that as kuchikami no sake (“mouth-chewed sake”) (Wikipedia, 2010) and it is often used in spiritual rituals (eHow, 2010). The production of sake is distinct from that of wine or beer in that a mold is utilised to break down the starch into fermentable sugars (Wikipedia, 2010). Sake is basically categorised by the amount that the rice is polished before fermenting (sake-world, 2010). The polishing process removes proteins and oils from the outside of the grain leaving fewer impurities (Wikipedia, 2010).
Ozeki have been producing sake since 1711 and has come a long way to their current “24-hour unmanned operation of any process is fully automated, streamlined with a lot of manpower and time significantly” (Ozeki, 2010). Ozeki products can be seen in convenience stores throughout Japan, including the ubiquitous, but ever so handy ワンカップ (Wankappu or One Cup) which is a convenient cup of sake without the inconvenience of a bottle shaped vessel (Ozeki One Cup, 2010). Two Ozeki products available in New Zealand are Nama Chozou (13.5% alc. vol.) and Junmai Tatewaki Samurai Sake (13% alc. vol.).
Aim
This experiment was designed to investigate numerous characteristics of Ozeki Nama Chozou and Ozeki Junmai Tatewaki Samurai Sake including, but not limited to, aroma, flavor, colour, satisfaction and vessel design.
Method
300 ml bottles of Ozeki Nama Chozou and Ozeki Samurai Sake were obtained from a specialist Japanese liquor store for NZ$9.80 and NZ$10.20 respectively. The bottles were refrigerated to 4oC before the caps of the bottles were removed under controlled conditions. Approximately 20 ml of each sample were decanted into sake cups. Aroma was evaluated by smelling the sake. Flavour was analysed by tasting the beer and discussing it with a research collaborator at great length and, subsequently, satisfaction was assessed. Colour was assessed by looking at the liquor and aesthetic aspects of the vessels were considered.
Results
Results for Ozeki Nama Chozou and Ozeki Samurai Sake are shown in table 1 below.
Table 1. Characteristics of Ozeki Nama Chozou and Ozeki Samurai Sake.
| Characteristic | Nama Chozou-shu | Junmai Tatewaki – Samurai Sake |
| Aroma | Sweet, creamy scent with an insinuation of rhubarb, calling to mind memories of rhubarb and custard flavoured boiled sweets which have been delicately rubbed with Cheshire cheese | Fainter bouquet of yoghurt which has been liberally sprinkled with vanilla-infused crumble topping |
| Flavour | A complex mash-up of fresh figs, marzipan, fresh almonds, custard apple (cherimoya) and raisins | Offers freshly cut persimmons, sunflower seeds and green melons draped over cold rice pudding |
| Colour | Clear, colourless liquor | Clear, colourless liquor |
| Satisfaction | An easy-drinking, smooth beverage which could easily accompany light meals | A drier sake which would compliment heavier meals but would also be at home alongside sushi, sashimi or salad |
| Vessel Design | A frosted-look label with loads of kanji characters adorns a plain, colourless bottle (see figure 1) | A deep blue label with white and gold kanji characters and a black and white image of a samurai warrior (see figure 2) |
| Drinkability | 6.5 | 6 |
Figure 2. Ozeki Junmai Tatewaki Samurai Sake
Conclusion
Sake is a poorly understood beverage in the western world, and it can present flavour profiles as complex as wine. Hangovers are often reported by inexperienced sake drinkers, however with alcohol levels similar to wine and being served in small cups, these reports may be based on myth, however, it is beyond the scope of the current study to corroborate these claims.
During the sampling of the beverages, no far-eastern experiences were noted by either the researcher or the research assistant. No Zen moments were detected, no flashbacks to riding the shinkansen (bullet train) were noted and no windswept moments on Mount Fuji while purchasing a hot can of coffee from a vending machine were perceived. However, both of the beverages did make a nice accompaniment to soba noodle soup.
It may or may not be true that “20 years after becoming drunk. Delicious drink is an appropriate amount”, and the researchers suspect this may contain a hidden code, which is yet to be cracked (Ozeki, 2010).
References
http://www.ehow.com/how_2170630_make-sake.html
http://www.ozeki.co.jp/about/mill/index.html
http://www.ozeki.co.jp/product/seishu/onecup.html
Figure 1. Shepherd Neame Spitfire
Introduction
English beers are as varied and numerous as the accents encountered on a tiki tour around the country. Shepherd Neame contribute to the plethora of beverages with brews such as Bishop’s Finger, Canterbury Jack, 4-4-2 and Spitfire. Spitfire is a relative newcomer to “Britain’s Oldest Brewer” (Shepherd Neame website, 2010), having been introduced in 1990 to commemorate the Battle of Britain 50 years earlier (Spitfire website, 2010). Spitfire is a 4.5% alc. vol. Kentish Ale
The marketing of Spitfire Kentish ale appears to rely strongly on Britain’s patriotic sensibilities harking back to the Second World War, indeed naming itself “The Bottle of Britain” (Spitfire website, 2010). The website has a wartime feel and ads show images of unfortunate German soldiers and brave, Dad’s Army style photos of plucky British soldiers (Spitfire ads, 2010)
Aim
This experiment was designed to investigate numerous characteristics of Shepherd Neame Spitfire including, but not limited to, aroma, flavor, colour, satisfaction and vessel design.
Method
A 500 ml bottle of Shepherd Neame Spitfire was obtained from a local bottle store for NZ$7.50. The bottle was refrigerated to 4oC, then allowed to warm to 7oC before the cap of the bottle was removed under controlled conditions using a bottle cap leveraging device. The contents of the bottle were decanted into a clean glass vessel. Aroma was evaluated by smelling the beer. Flavour was analysed by tasting the beer and discussing it with a research collaborator at great length and, subsequently, satisfaction was assessed. The glass was held up to a standardised light to evaluate the colour and aesthetic aspects of the vessel were considered.
Results
Results for Shepherd Neame Spitfire are shown in table 1 below.
Table 1. Characteristics of Shepherd Neame Spitfire
| Characteristic | Result |
| Aroma | Dried lime peel from zingy hops with a smattering of toffee and an undertone of shoe polish and a note of extremely dry dust on unpolished wooden shelves |
| Flavour | Bold and substantial bitey bitterness with vigourous citrusey and floral flavourings which linger long after the liquor has been swallowed. The bitterness is slightly offset with a hint of caramel and toffee |
| Colour | A pale chestnut brown |
| Satisfaction | Because the sample was not heavy, it could certainly be enjoyed year-round and would also make a solid session beer |
| Vessel Design | A stout, white glass bottle is draped with a red, white and blue label in true English colours (see figure 1). The vessel also sports a label commemorating The Battle of Britain (see figure 2) |
| Head | A persistent head upon pouring remained until through the photo process (see figure 1) and after the first taste (over 517 seconds after pouring). Remnants of the head remained to the bottom of the bottom of the glass |
| Drinkability | 8.5 |
Figure 2. The Battle of Britain label
Conclusion
While Old Blighty may be a very long distance from New Zealand (and our soldiers died defending the Empire), Shepherd Neame Spitfire travels remarkably well. The researchers agreed that if they were travelling past the bottle store where the sample was purchased, it would be probable that they would stop by and pick up another bottle or two. It is beyond the scope of the current study to ascertain whether Spitfire is truly “The Bottle of Britain” from such a remote location. The researchers resisted all urges to say (in the thickest, old-school BBC accent) “That’s one in the eye for you, Fritz”, or any other ridiculous wartime references.
References
http://www.shepherd-neame.co.uk/
Journal of Applied Drink Studies International 