Review: Budweiser Brew Masters Private Reserve 2006

Budweiser Brew Masters Private Reserve 2006
8.5 % Alcohol by Volume
Judged in 23A. Specialty Beer (Imperial American Lager)
Introduction

Go ahead, scoff. I can already hear the beer snobs (we know our own) crying out that this stuff can’t possibly be any good. I have heard that it’s made from the scrapings from the bottom of the barrel (though Budweiser informs us that it is collected from “the richest first part of the bew as it is tapped to the brew kettles.”), which can’t be any good for an American beer.

Well, let me say this: If the only people who buy this are committed Bud/Miller/Coors drinkers and they find themselves enjoying it, then this can be a great tool to get those same folks to try other, tastier craft-style brews. Read on.

Aroma
Hints of honey with a light spiciness, followed by a distinct alcoholic warmth. Reminded me ever so slightly of a Belgian golden ale, but that’s a definite reach. Very little hop aroma.

8/12

Appearance
Light gold in color, definitely more so than regular Budweiser. Little head retention, though it left a hint of lace on the glass. Good amount of carbonation.

2/3

Mouthfeel
Lower-medium body, like a very light ale. Clean finish that lingered with a hint of astringency. Decent amount of carbonation.

3/5

Flavor
Alcoholic warmth not too overwhleming with very little bite. Starts malty with a very slight hop bitterness in the middle and a warm alcoholic finish. No distinctive hop character, though well-balanced.

14/20

Overall
If you’re a beer snob, your opinions on this beer may already be formed, and sipping it will do little to change your mind. But I’d be willing to bet that, in a blind taste test, you’d be hard pressed to single it out. For an American Light Lager-style beer, I was very impressed. If you’re acommitted Bud/Miller/Coors drinker, this is a very special bottle well worth picking up. It would also server as a terrific gateway to more flavorful beers like pale ales, blond ales and even some of the lighter Belgians.

7/10

Total 34/50

To be honest with you, I really picked this up because I thought the bottle it came in - a 1 Qt, 14.5 Oz flip-top - was very, very cool and I wanted to use it to package some of my own ales. But I was also pleased to find that the brew inside was suprisingly drinkable. If you see this at your local market, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to pick it up.

Go ahead - make my day. Leave a comment.

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