Just as I start to complain about the declining range of American beers on sale here, this one shows up: the iconic
Pabst Blue Ribbon, beloved of insufferable hipsters from coast to coast. It gets referenced so much in American media I've found it impossible not to be a bit curious about it. I have Geoff in the Bull & Castle to thank for scratching that particular itch.
From the screwtop bottle it pours a wan yellow-gold, the meagre head subsiding quickly to an uneven skim. It tastes slightly cidery, and not in a good way. Light on fizz, but that just adds to the wateriness.
Yes, it's drinkable. And I might even go as far as to hazard it's refreshing. But it's not something I'd drink by choice. Now let us never speak of it again.
If hipsters drink crappy beer, where does *that* leave the beer snobbery discussion? Too confusing...
ReplyDeleteWe need to get them onto Buckfast then see what the wine people do.
ReplyDeleteIts cheap and is noe "retro" I tried it at christmas...Managed a few sips then passed the rest on to my sister
ReplyDeleteIt's been retro for a long time. Does that make it retro-retro?
ReplyDeleteActually, no, don't answer that.
My local pub, and all round awesome beer emporium has this on tap. I stunned the staff one day by asking for a sample. It was the first time a sample glass had been returned with beer still in it.
ReplyDeleteBet you only did it to look cool...
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I will ever be sufficient anorectic to achieve hipster cool, not to mention I am avowedly anti-Apple.
ReplyDeletedid you have to use my real name
ReplyDeleteCredit where it's due, Mr Manager sir.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to a review of Olde English 40oz.
ReplyDeleteJust as soon as I get some, like with every other beer.
ReplyDeleteIt's not really just that it's retro, it's 'ironic'. Sort of retro + ennui.
ReplyDeleteI fucking hate hipsters. There's an enclave where I live in London. I thought I'd only have to deal with them when I was in New York...
As an American I feel the need to defend the honor of my beloved American heritage brews. I thusly submit this and this. Remember gents, most of my fellow yanks think British beer is warm and flat; Guinness is the only Irish beer; and I'm fairly sure most Americans couldn't even name a Scottish-made beer. Remember, beer drinking has a lot to do with context and perspective!
ReplyDeleteMy wife always makes fun of PBR, I don't think I ever tried it. If I did, it was forgotten.
ReplyDeleteI saw it recently in Burritos & Blues of all places.
It's out there now. No excuse!
ReplyDeleteDrank one of these last week. Had low expectations which it failed to meet. Yick. Cool label, though, can't deny it.
ReplyDeleteIt just reminds me of crappy wafer biscuits from my childhood.
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