Tannen Hell

Type: helles
Tested: Botthe, December 2014
Brewed: Hohenthanner Schlossbrauerei, Germany

The problem wit a lot of typical German beers is that they all taste the same. You may say what you want but the vast majority of so called "helles" will make no difference even for a beer lover. It is an advance of the German beer law - that strictly regulated beer production, therefore all German beer will have some pretty high quality. On the other hand it is the disadvantage of the same law - if you brew according to it you are screwed - no experiments, no brilliant beers. proper but boring! I don´t know whether this one is brewed according to a beer law, and I don´t care. Because there are things more important in life like being original and sticking out from the crowd (which most of the German beer can´t do). Tannen Hell is brilliant beer - aromatic, fresh in taste. Tickling on the tongue. It kicks ass.

Kozel

Style: dark beer
Tested: Bottle, 2015
Brewed: Velke Popovice Brewery, Czech Republic

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed with the Kozel. On one hand it has nice dark color and attractive foam. On the other hand it lack any taste that can be connected with a beer. Closest comparison would be  - it tastes like drinking paper. If you are a paper freak - this one is for you - the rest - stay away.

GREENE KING IPA

Style: IPA
Tasted, Bottle, April 2015
Brewed: Greene King UK

It was one of these days. I came home tired and really, really needed a beer. Rich, thick, bitter...
OK, what can be better than some IPA? And the IPA coming from UK must be brilliant. Lets go Greene King!
First sip and my world is ruined - no bitter taste at all, or rather no taste almost. Short look at the label tells you that this one has 3,6% of alcohol. So that how the alcohol-free IPA tastes like*. Horrible. This beer could be accepted as nice pils or lager, as IPA it stands no chance. It would not make it to India either.

* there is one alternative possibility - this is a king of British sense of humor. This beer is perfectly fine for a joke.

BLACK SHEEP

Style: Stout
Tested: Bottle, 2014
Brewed: Brauhaus Gusswerk, Austria

Lets keep it straight, it is one of the best stouts I have ever had. It can easily stand a direct comparison with Guinness. Dark, smooth aromatic. Pure joy.
Go and get it.

Köstritzer Red Lager

Style: red lager
Tested: bottle, April 2015
Brewed: Köstritzer, Germany

I have some quite mixed feelings about this one - on one hand it is very good, lager beer. Because of its unusual color and taste, it should be able to win a heart of any "lighter"-beer-fan. On the other hand - this beer was released in the "Masterworks" series  - and it does not belong here! Its good, but not brilliant. Still - if you are able to get one, go for it.
BTW: Dear Köstritzer - I believe you may have somebody responsible for the distribution of your beer. But my belief is solely based on my knowledge of the company structure. Is this person on the leave? Or constantly sick? Something must be wrong since getting any of your beers (except the dark one*) is a nightmare. And my personal feeling is, that its getting worse.

* this one is only medium-hard to get

Beck´s Amber Lager

Style: Amber Lager
Tested: 2015, Bottle
Brewed: Beck´s & Co, Germany

Dear Beck´s brewery. Why do you even try your luck with beers different than a simple pils/lager? Your pale ale was a piece of sh... But look at this one - it is very nice, tasty lager. Bit better that the majority of lagers on the German market, and really good enough to not put a shame on your heads. Please accept the fact that this is your style and keep doing.

SNJ 20000

Style: Lager
Tested: 2015, Bottle
Brewed: SNJ Group, India


Here comes the exotic one. Brewed, bottled and smuggled from India (thanks Ramesh). Get me something different I have asked - and so I got this one. Lager beer with 7,5% of alcohol. Yes, you got it right. 7,5%. It looks very nice, clean yellow beer. Nothing to complain. The first sip, and the shock - it is SWEET. Yes, sweet. It may not be Pepsi, but its sweet enough to kill all other taste. Interesting to try, but nothing more - sorry, maybe a small danger - it is sold in 650 ml bottles. Since its sweet you just drink it like a refreshing drink. Until its too late...