Hansa Pilsner

I am sad to say this is the last post from my trip to Norway. As you may or may not have know am WAY behind on this blog. (My trip was in May and it is now September.) I had a blast over there experiencing this country's rich history and culture and can't wait to one day return. Let's get to the beer!

I was very pleased with this beer. It poured to a very deep amber color with a thick frothy head. The malts were very sweet and were somewhat biscuity. The aroma of the hops was a bit herbal and really came out in the flavor. The nose wasn't too hoppy, as the sweetness of the malts all but nudged them out. Very light and smooth mouth feel with good carbonation. This was a very easy drinking beer and was a good example of a European pilsner.

Hopefully I will get the chance to return and try many other great Norwegian beers!

Jacobsen Saaz Blonde

I wanted to try and stay away from the major European breweries while in Europe and found it to be a lot harder then I thought. I saw this on a shelf at the grocery store and it looked and sounded good, even after I saw it bore the mark of the Carlsberg beer giant. I later learned that Jacobsen had been brewing since 1799 and was later bought out by Carlsberg.

This beer poured a nice golden amber with perfect, but almost over abundant carbonation. Strong frothy white head that laced very well. Had a real fruity and slightly spicy nose. The taste was sweet and fruity with notes of almost citrusy hops. Had a light and smooth mouth feel. Very good overall, sort of like a lighter Belgian Strong Ale. I wish I could have tried the other Jacobsen products!