You might find me on the other side ... that's likeitis
You might find me on the other side ... that's likeitis
Member since:12.06.2002
Reviews:547
Members who trust:301
In case you haven't realised it, I'll drink anything. Well, not quite anything. What I mean is, when I encounter a beer I've never tasted before, I like to remedy the situation asap. And so it was when I noticed my local Wetherspoons selling stubby little bottles of Efes Pilsen for a mere £1.49. I was intrigued. The shape of the bottle was not unlike that used by a great many Belgian brewers, a chunky affair with three gradually narrowing bands around the neck. This beer doesn't hail from Belgium though. Oh no, it journeyed all the way from that other Mecca of beerdom, Turkey.
Efes Pilsen was first brewed in 1969 and is now the No1 beer in Turkey (according to them) with an estimated 80% of the market. It's exported to many countries, being especially popular in Russia. Luckily for me, it sneaked its way over here as well.
Having a look at their website, I'm guessing that they totally dominate the beer market in Turkey. Not only do they produce this beer, but a few others under the Efes label, as well as many unpronounceable ones which are destined for the Russian and Central Asian beer drinker. They also brew, under licence, such well known beers as: Fosters, Becks, Warsteiner and MGD.
Speaking of Turkey...
Apparently, at a dig in the Middle East, archaeologists have recently unearthed a previously unknown species of dinosaur. A lesbian one at that. Rumours are it's to be called a Lickalotapus.
Back to the beer...
THEY SAY: "A combination of crystal clean water and pure culture yeast yields superb fermentation and stable flavour, while Hallertau hops give Efes a complex finish."
This beer pours a rich, honey-gold colour - crystal clear with a steady stream of sparkly bubbles rising to form a whispy head of thin white foam. The head doesn't last well though, and only leaves a smattering of lacy residue on the glass.
The aroma is very herbal - minty and grassy...kinda green. There's plenty of citric tones there - mostly lemon, but also a hint of orange as well and this is enhanced by a sense of honey. It's a little spicy, a little peppery, but it's not all hops. There are grainy notes and a touch of toffee and biscuit but it's quite subtle.
It has quite a thin mouthfeel, a little watery and a surprising lack of effervescence - it's only moderately carbonated and is pleasantly smooth. The taste is sweet, up front at least, with a definite honey and lemon flavour. The herby, minty tones are there in the palate too, but the spice in the aroma doesn't seem to transfer...at least not that I can tell. It has a bit of a tang from the hops - just a little acidity, but it's only a moderating effect, there's no real bitterness present. It's definitely grainy, but apart from the general sweetness, it's hard to distinguish much from the malt - perhaps some biscuity, doughy flavour. It finishes crisp and clean, with a zesty, lemony aftertaste.
The Verdict
At 5% ABV, this wasn't too bad. I'd say it was comparable to many run-of-the-mill euro-lagers, it's a decent thirst quencher without taxing the taste buds too much. Compared to some of the 'premium' lagers on offer, it can hold its own...especially at that price. I don't think it's a beer I'd want to be drinking all evening, but on a hot day, or after a hot kebab, it'll do the trick.
Would I drink it again? - Sure, next time I have a kebab on a hot day.
I first had this in Azerbaijan, it was about the only decent beer you could get there for a while. I never remember the evenings after the first 5 or 6...
pinkmatchstick 17.02.2006 15:45
I had this once in a Turkish cafe and was pleasantly surprised, not that I'd want to drink it all the time though
sue.51 09.02.2006 19:19
Eww, interesting interlude!!! but think I will skip the beer
Sue
Feb 3rd, 2006
very helpful by (100%):
