SPECIAL Review from South of the Border (Umm... that means MADAGASCAR)
I normally REFUSE discussion of most Pilseners, unless it's a classic type. I also unfairly give OZZIE all sorts of grief for his preference for a certain light version of a Pilsener.
Here is one example of a Pilsener that I will drop EVERYTHING for, perhaps mostly for its history with me. Yes, I am now reviewing Madagascar's legendary THREE HORSES BEER (THB), from a properly refrigerated 650 ml bottle, produced by Madagascar's Star Brasseries. Served in a proper THB pilsener glass, companioned with an opening salade crudites, followed by steak brochette and rice.
By all accounts, this Pilsener retains all the classic outward signatures of a Pilsener: golden, bordering yellow clear color, lovely small, but frequent carbonation; and foamy white head. Aroma: fresh-brewed, head for the mountains waft, mixed with a scent of "when you say Budweiser, you've said it all."
Taste: Ymm... beer. Okay, smooth, cool, refreshing, with a little mild bitterness held throughout taste and aftertaste. I think in some respects, it has an element of a saison in there, but it is SOOOOO Pilsener. I truly rank this ahead of P Urqueil, because it retains the main properties of a Pilsener, with a flair of originality on the bitterness. Mine paired VERY nicely with the meal.
Ymm, Beer:
To be honest, OZZIE would give this 9F's. My fondest THB was about 20 years ago, and served at running stream-cooled temperature, up on Amber Mountain. The one I have at my meal is a close second.
What have I learned from this beer? Sometimes the beer tastes better not because of the IBUs, the ABV's, or anything like that. Sometimes what enhances a beer's taste is the memory, knowledge, and emotion you have for it. I have too much history attached to this brew.
THB: One of Madagascar's best gifts to the world.
CHEERS,
Lavabe
2014, 2011, and 2009 Lemur Loving CTN NASCAR Champ. No lasers were used to win these titles.