A very pale Argentinian lager this week, with Quilmes.

AUG Bonus Footage to follow tomorrow – I’ve been ill this week. I’d also like to get away from pale adjunct lagers for BGX, but I’ve a whole crate of them to get through. No matter – next BGX is something different, at least.

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Quilmes.

Quilmes – also known as Quilmes Cristal – is a pale lager, of a typical American style – with cereals such as corn added during the brewing process as an adjunct.

The flagship lager – Quilmes Cristal in its native market – is one of a few varieties of the Quilmes brand – with a light lager, a bock, stout and red lager also available bearing the marque.

It’s an Argentinian beer, dating to the 19th century – 1890, to be precise.

The blue and silver label affixed to the bottle mirrors Argentina’s national colours.

It’s manufactured by the Cerveceria y Malteria Quilmes, named for the city of Quilmes, in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

4.9% ABV puts it in the typical range for its style.

It pours a very light straw colour, far paler than most, almost entirely clear – and has a yeasty nose, pleasantly bready.

Taste is strikingly crisp, with a strong initial sharpness giving way to a fairly sweet, mild and largely inoffensive flavour.

True to the style, Quilmes will win no prizes for its boldness – but the lager wouldn’t be the leading brand in Argentina if it weren’t inherently drinkable.

Might you find yourself watching Fútbol in an Argentinan bar – your beverage of choice… should be Cristal clear.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for another liquid delight.