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Pacific Winter ESB

    Brewery: Nordic Kiwi Brewers
    Country: Sweden
    Size: 33cl
    ABV: 6.4%
    Price: 25kr
    Systembolaget: 12677

    I’ve never visited New Zealand but I’ve always wanted to. They do seem to have a major orc and wizard problem but apart from that it seems like a pleasant enough country. As it is literally half way around the world it isn’t that often we get many beers from their shores arriving here. This may be a Swedish beer but it’s heart and soul is purely from New Zealand. Two kiwi guys called Kerryn and Craig have been brewing craft beer for a few years now in Ekerö and one of their main selling points is that they use the more exotic hops varieties that are native to their home country. This was first beer I have seen up here in Umeå from this brewery and as I’m always on the hunt for my next favourite beer I thought it would be fun to include it to the All Stars tasting.

    It was very dark amber in colour with a sort of grimy look to it. The head had a slight hint of light brown to it and it held a fair while. Dry roasted malts and caramel came through on the nose along with hints of nuts and fruit. The taste was a pleasant blend of biscuits, caramel, slightly toasted malts and even a slight hint of peach hidden in the back. This medium bodied beer had quite good lacing, though the carbonation just seemed to be a touch lacking. The aftertaste was OK but nothing of particular note except a slightly dry bitterness.

    All in all, this was a nice introduction to the NKB business. It was a largely enjoyable beer with a nice, refreshing edge to it. It didn’t come close to unseating Fullers ESB as the top dog in the category, however it was a good effort and I’m glad I picked up the cans from the shelf. I believe this was only a seasonal product but I wouldn’t be averse picking up another can the next time it’s released.