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Austria
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Castle Eggenberg, Samichlaus Bier 2004 (Austria) 
'Santa Claus' is brewed once per year, in December, and released with a vintage date 10 months later. The label claims "Strongest Lager Beer in the world", and at 14% ABV, that seems fair. The beer pours a dark amber colour, with a dense, but quickly dissipating off-white head. It is not the most aromatic of beers, but there is an intense fruity note of cherry and red berries, with some Christmas cake spice and dried fruit. In the mouth it is powerful, dense and smooth, with an immediate rush of sweetness, before a very Scotch whisky-like character emerges. That raisiny sweetness persists through the mid-palate, with more malty, treacley notes pushing through. It is a balanced beer, with heady alcohol showing up in the finish, but also good acidity and a nip of assertive hops. Surprisingly drinkable given its massive alcohol, and very enjoyable. 14.0% ABV, 33cl, £2.99, Beersofeurope, Onlyfinebeer, Peckhams, Pierhead. |  |
Gösser, Beer (Austria)
This beer was first brewed in 1459, as a Monastic beer. It pours a pale orangy gold, with a moderate white head that persists pretty well. On the nose this bottle is a touch skunky, with quite malty aromas coming through and a nutty, creamy background. On the palate it tastes quite strong and alcoholic, with more malt-derived flavours and not a lot of hoppiness. This is an OK beer, with a decent balance. 5.2% ABV, 33cl, £1.09, Beersofeurope, Pierhead.  |  |
Gösser, Ice (Austria)
This Austrian beer says "Ice Brewed Beer" on the label, but the exact process is not spelled out. What you get is a conventional lager-style beer that pours a medium gold colour with a persistent white head. The aromas are very herbal and hoppy - like falling into a nettle patch - with some sweetcorn and bready notes. On the palate it is fairly standard stuff, its best feature being a refreshing character, albeit with a slightly cloying finish. 4.8% ABV, 33cl, £1.09, Beersofeurope, Pierhead. |  |
Schwechater, Steffl Export (Austria)
This is an enjoyably nettly pilsener with a bronze-tinged gold colour and thinnish white head. There’s a tiny hint of toffee amongst the herb and grassy notes on the nose, before a palate that is medium-bodied, with a touch too much sweetness for me, but then an endive and chicory-like bite of hops that are grassy and pungent, with a refreshing lemon fruitiness and a fairly alcoholic kick in the finish. A nice, strong, refreshing yet quite substantial lager beer. Purchased in Vienna. 5.4% ABV, 33cl, UK retailer not known. |  |
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