Astika Lux Premium
AstikA (Interbrew)

 

330 ml brown bottle with a freshness date printed on the label reading 10.01.07. Label states the alcohol to be 5%.

A: reddish-gold, transparent, with a nice head that sticks around for a bit, definitely good for the style

S: sweet malts readily prevalent with a touch of lemon and citrus, a pleasant smell

T: sweet sugary malt up front that is quickly overtaken by a strong citrus hop bitterness that lingers strongly in the aftertaste, definitely not the usual EPL

M: a burst of carbonation that quickly dissipates leading to a slick oily feel that sticks around for a bit too long

D: you could drink many of AstikA Lux Premiums in one sitting without getting too bored or drunk

Goes well with arms dealers and Euro football.

Astika Lux Premium pours a brass-colored body beneath a full head of white that holds well and leaves nice lacing behind. The nose is quite malty with a caramelized-wort character that's reminiscent of a direct-fire kettle. There's some floral, grassy, and citrus-rind-like hoppiness as well. The flavor mirrors the aroma, but with more hoppiness threaded throughout - although I should point out that it's still remarkably malty! A solid bitterness anchors it, and it transitions from worty and caramelish but not particularly sweet; to floral, citrusy and grassy over caramel; and then bitter, floral, and herbal with just a suggestion of lemon rind in the long-lingering, dry finish. Here and there, dollops of sweetish caramelized malt poke through before the bitterness returns to stomp it out. It's definitely interesting, and quite unique, and probably well worth trying just for that.

500 cl bottle, golden label with medals, complex malty-flowery smell, great head that stays in your glass for at least four minutes, modest lace. Start is malty, sweetish. Body is well-balanced, and finish hoppy. Leaves an impression of under-lagered but lively and worth a try.