04 January 2012

Gods of beer, why do ye mock me?

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.

17 comments:

  1. If hipsters drink crappy beer, where does *that* leave the beer snobbery discussion? Too confusing...

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  2. We need to get them onto Buckfast then see what the wine people do.

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  3. Its cheap and is noe "retro" I tried it at christmas...Managed a few sips then passed the rest on to my sister

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  4. It's been retro for a long time. Does that make it retro-retro?

    Actually, no, don't answer that.

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  5. 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.

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  6. Bet you only did it to look cool...

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  7. I am not sure I will ever be sufficient anorectic to achieve hipster cool, not to mention I am avowedly anti-Apple.

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  8. did you have to use my real name

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  9. Credit where it's due, Mr Manager sir.

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  10. Look forward to a review of Olde English 40oz.

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  11. Just as soon as I get some, like with every other beer.

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  12. It's not really just that it's retro, it's 'ironic'. Sort of retro + ennui.

    I 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...

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  13. 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!

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  14. My wife always makes fun of PBR, I don't think I ever tried it. If I did, it was forgotten.
    I saw it recently in Burritos & Blues of all places.

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  15. It's out there now. No excuse!

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  16. Drank one of these last week. Had low expectations which it failed to meet. Yick. Cool label, though, can't deny it.

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