Bedele Gold Label Special Beer
Bedele Brewery (Heineken Ethiopia)

I quite honestly would not drink this beer again unless it was in an Ethiopian restaurant. And this one was my first in probably 15 years. And while Heineken has their fingers in Bedele, the beer does its job with this speciality food that is exotically spiced. The beer and food together was all a good culinary experience. And a soft Export is the right lager so this food can play in the foreground.

Gold Label opens with a generous foam, but it fades. Smells are mostly malt, but I'd like something distinct; so just average. Tastes are balanced; letting me enjoy this rare food. Light in my mouth.

So to explain my good Overall Hugs I give Bedele, I like often how Heineken operates. It expands the beer market in countries that often have clean water problems (that is, after all, how brewing got going in Europe... to purify the water.) And Heineken teaches/spreads sustainable methods of brewing. And for all I know, Heineken also could be improving Bedele recipes. So what is not to like about all that? I only have to drink the beer every 15 years.

 

 

 

 

 

On-tap at Massawa, New York, NY

A: The beer is clear yellow in color and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with just a thin layer of bubbles on the surface and a narrow collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Light aromas of corn are present in the nose.
T: The taste follows the smell and has flavors of grassy and nondescript hops, which contribute a light amount of bitterness and mask just about all of the sweetness from the corn from peeking through.
M: It feels a bit more than light-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. There is a bit of dryness.
O: This beer has a good amount of hops to balance out the malts.

Serving type: bottle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poured into a Celebrator pokal. Pours a light, slightly hazy golden amber. Thin white head that dissipates rapidly to a ring around the glass. Aroma of sweet caramel and bready malt. Flavor follows, with light sweet bready malt, slight caramel and a hint of light fruit. Finish is attenuated and slightly dry. Light bodied. Nothing outstanding, but the light flavor is pleasant, and something I would have again with a meal or sitting in Ethiopia with no craft beer store in sight.