Tusker Premium Lager | East African Breweries Ltd (Kenya Breweries)
Brewed by:
East African Breweries Ltd (Kenya Breweries)
Kenya | website
Style: American Adjunct Lager
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.20%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by kbub6f on 06-18-2002
Reviews: 373 | Ratings: 705
2.78/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 1 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
They make beer in Kenya? I had to give it a try.
Nice little color, nice and bubbly, and not as transparent as a lot of other lagers. All of which, in my opinion, in canceled when you take a whiff of the stuff. A relative seemed to enjoy it, comparing it to jasmine. I can see where you could get that, but it would have to be a weird, fermented jasmine.
Decent taste, decently hoppy, without really launching off in any particularly unique directions. I suppose it gets toasty in Kenya, and the beer's supposed to still seem somewhat light and refreshing.
A solid beer, if not overly impressive. Would probably pick it over many of the standard macro lagers. Besides, how often do you find Kenyan beer?
★ 713 characters
look: 4 | smell: 1 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
They make beer in Kenya? I had to give it a try.
Nice little color, nice and bubbly, and not as transparent as a lot of other lagers. All of which, in my opinion, in canceled when you take a whiff of the stuff. A relative seemed to enjoy it, comparing it to jasmine. I can see where you could get that, but it would have to be a weird, fermented jasmine.
Decent taste, decently hoppy, without really launching off in any particularly unique directions. I suppose it gets toasty in Kenya, and the beer's supposed to still seem somewhat light and refreshing.
A solid beer, if not overly impressive. Would probably pick it over many of the standard macro lagers. Besides, how often do you find Kenyan beer?
★ 713 characters
2.78/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Poured into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a light golden amber with a thin white head with good retention and lacing. Faint aroma of sweet malt and grassy wheat. Flavor is light slightly sweet malt and a hint of grassy hops. Finishes rather dry and abruptly leaving a slightly mineral aftertaste. Light bodied. A very bland and lightly flavored lager with no off flavors, but nothing really to recommend it. At least I can tick Kenya without flying thousands of miles for this.
★ 485 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
Poured into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a light golden amber with a thin white head with good retention and lacing. Faint aroma of sweet malt and grassy wheat. Flavor is light slightly sweet malt and a hint of grassy hops. Finishes rather dry and abruptly leaving a slightly mineral aftertaste. Light bodied. A very bland and lightly flavored lager with no off flavors, but nothing really to recommend it. At least I can tick Kenya without flying thousands of miles for this.
★ 485 characters
2.78/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Poured very pale yellow with a thick, foamy head the became a well-retained lace.
The smell was thin - smelled vaguely of corn syrup with a touch of fruitiness.
The taste was of syrupy malt, with a touch of some vague fruit mixed with a bit of yeast and plenty of water.
At first it felt like a malty seltzer water on the tongue, but then a sweet, salty stickiness overwhelmed all tastes and a touch of a sulphur-like metal feeling remained.
The high carbonation made it drinkable at first, but as it warmed it became worse. Drink this one cold and fast.
IMO - it's not awful - there are worse out there - but nothing about it would have me buy it again.
★ 659 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Poured very pale yellow with a thick, foamy head the became a well-retained lace.
The smell was thin - smelled vaguely of corn syrup with a touch of fruitiness.
The taste was of syrupy malt, with a touch of some vague fruit mixed with a bit of yeast and plenty of water.
At first it felt like a malty seltzer water on the tongue, but then a sweet, salty stickiness overwhelmed all tastes and a touch of a sulphur-like metal feeling remained.
The high carbonation made it drinkable at first, but as it warmed it became worse. Drink this one cold and fast.
IMO - it's not awful - there are worse out there - but nothing about it would have me buy it again.
★ 659 characters
2.78/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Bright golden color with a thin head with short retention.
Light sweet malt and lime aroma with hints of herbal hops.
Similarly, refreshing taste of herbal hops and sweet malt. Hints of oxidation and cardboard finish. Dry aftertaste with a mild bitterness.
Light body with appropriate carbonation.
It has a nice African history tradition, nevertheless is not even a superior Adjunct Lager. I would pass.
★ 403 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Bright golden color with a thin head with short retention.
Light sweet malt and lime aroma with hints of herbal hops.
Similarly, refreshing taste of herbal hops and sweet malt. Hints of oxidation and cardboard finish. Dry aftertaste with a mild bitterness.
Light body with appropriate carbonation.
It has a nice African history tradition, nevertheless is not even a superior Adjunct Lager. I would pass.
★ 403 characters
2.78/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
I had a sample of this beer at the Edmonton international beerfest having never had an African beer before. Basically, this beer is meant to hydrate - it`s got pretty weak flavour, but what it does have is resembles a good beer - not some garbage adjunct lager. It goes down extremely easy, which I suppose makes it easy to become intoxicated off of, but this beer is pretty expensive for one bottle, so that probably isn`t the most practical use.
The colour is very pale yellow like a light lager would be, but it tastes better than one. It`s not super flavourful, but not unflavourful too - it`s really weird.
I likely wont buy a bottle of this again, but it was basically what I expected would come out of a hot place like Kenya - a refreshing and not intensely flavoured lager, but pleasantly not full of adjuncts. Nice work at making a good adjunct lager - where the adjuncts are not the first thing you notice.
★ 919 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75
I had a sample of this beer at the Edmonton international beerfest having never had an African beer before. Basically, this beer is meant to hydrate - it`s got pretty weak flavour, but what it does have is resembles a good beer - not some garbage adjunct lager. It goes down extremely easy, which I suppose makes it easy to become intoxicated off of, but this beer is pretty expensive for one bottle, so that probably isn`t the most practical use.
The colour is very pale yellow like a light lager would be, but it tastes better than one. It`s not super flavourful, but not unflavourful too - it`s really weird.
I likely wont buy a bottle of this again, but it was basically what I expected would come out of a hot place like Kenya - a refreshing and not intensely flavoured lager, but pleasantly not full of adjuncts. Nice work at making a good adjunct lager - where the adjuncts are not the first thing you notice.
★ 919 characters
2.78/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Poured from bottle into regular pint glass.
A - Poured clear pale yellow straw color with very thin head that quickly dissipated leaving almost no lacing around the glass.
S - Slightly malty with floral and corn hints but not much there.
T - Very grainy with taste of corn and slight flavors of malt and yeast. Slightly metallic taste towards the finish.
M - Light bodied with average carbonation.
O - Very simple adjunct lager. Not much was expected and this lager proved to be just that. I would not recommend it.
★ 520 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Poured from bottle into regular pint glass.
A - Poured clear pale yellow straw color with very thin head that quickly dissipated leaving almost no lacing around the glass.
S - Slightly malty with floral and corn hints but not much there.
T - Very grainy with taste of corn and slight flavors of malt and yeast. Slightly metallic taste towards the finish.
M - Light bodied with average carbonation.
O - Very simple adjunct lager. Not much was expected and this lager proved to be just that. I would not recommend it.
★ 520 characters
2.77/5 rDev -8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This beer is bland and boring but better than most macro lagers. It's a dull yelllow beer, clear as a bell, with a thin white, dissipating head. My new SN Hop Tulip is actually keeping some head on the beer. The aroma is sweet and simple but without any real fault. The flavor is a lemony sugar malt. It's a quite refreshing beer. I'd certainly be happier with this beer than most in the style.
★ 394 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This beer is bland and boring but better than most macro lagers. It's a dull yelllow beer, clear as a bell, with a thin white, dissipating head. My new SN Hop Tulip is actually keeping some head on the beer. The aroma is sweet and simple but without any real fault. The flavor is a lemony sugar malt. It's a quite refreshing beer. I'd certainly be happier with this beer than most in the style.
★ 394 characters
2.76/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appearance: Pours a clear, pale gold typical of a pilsner with a small frothy head that dissipates quickly.
Smell: Light aroma, mildly sweet.
Taste: Generally light on flavor with a bit of a bite. Maybe a little grassy. I don’t notice the skunky aftertaste often found in American light lagers.
Mouthfeel: Crisp and carbonated, light.
Overall: Nothing extremely special, probably about right for a typical lager with an extra point or two for not tasting skunky and I’d guess when having a fresh bottle in the country it originates from it would be very thirst quenching and agreeable.
★ 593 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Appearance: Pours a clear, pale gold typical of a pilsner with a small frothy head that dissipates quickly.
Smell: Light aroma, mildly sweet.
Taste: Generally light on flavor with a bit of a bite. Maybe a little grassy. I don’t notice the skunky aftertaste often found in American light lagers.
Mouthfeel: Crisp and carbonated, light.
Overall: Nothing extremely special, probably about right for a typical lager with an extra point or two for not tasting skunky and I’d guess when having a fresh bottle in the country it originates from it would be very thirst quenching and agreeable.
★ 593 characters
2.75/5 rDev -8.6%
Aroma was grainy, biscuit, rice/corn, smells bland and very much like an adjunct lager. There was a very slight earthy hop character and it took on a slight tang as it warmed. It poured a pale golden color with a big white head and it had a body that surprised me, I was expecting water and got something light to medium with a moderate carbonation level. Taste was BORING! That blandness really carried through to the palate. Grainy, biscuit from the malt, subtle earthy hop, but mostly a whole lotta nothin. It's just not a good beer, if this is the style I'm going for I might as well be handed a Bud Light.
★ 610 characters
Aroma was grainy, biscuit, rice/corn, smells bland and very much like an adjunct lager. There was a very slight earthy hop character and it took on a slight tang as it warmed. It poured a pale golden color with a big white head and it had a body that surprised me, I was expecting water and got something light to medium with a moderate carbonation level. Taste was BORING! That blandness really carried through to the palate. Grainy, biscuit from the malt, subtle earthy hop, but mostly a whole lotta nothin. It's just not a good beer, if this is the style I'm going for I might as well be handed a Bud Light.
★ 610 characters
2.75/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.75
12 oz bottle into a pint glass.
A: Pours a light straw color. The head is a frothy one finger white shade. Both retention and lacing are surprisingly good, given what it is.
S: Not much of anything here. A touch of non-offensive cereal grains, and maybe some crackery malt to go along with it.
T: Starts with lime notes, and finishes with some cereal grain. This is very simple - to a fault, definitely - yet I can still find a modicum of enjoyment to this. Which is more than I can say about many macro lagers.
M: Really light and crisp, as it should be. Both sweetness and carbonation is high, but not overdone, making this a good hot weather drink.
O: Not very interesting, to be sure, but as far as macro lagers go, this one is actually kind of good. Import prices kill any chance of me buying this again in 'Merica, though.
★ 833 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.75
12 oz bottle into a pint glass.
A: Pours a light straw color. The head is a frothy one finger white shade. Both retention and lacing are surprisingly good, given what it is.
S: Not much of anything here. A touch of non-offensive cereal grains, and maybe some crackery malt to go along with it.
T: Starts with lime notes, and finishes with some cereal grain. This is very simple - to a fault, definitely - yet I can still find a modicum of enjoyment to this. Which is more than I can say about many macro lagers.
M: Really light and crisp, as it should be. Both sweetness and carbonation is high, but not overdone, making this a good hot weather drink.
O: Not very interesting, to be sure, but as far as macro lagers go, this one is actually kind of good. Import prices kill any chance of me buying this again in 'Merica, though.
★ 833 characters
2.75/5 rDev -8.6%
This brew pours with a large three finger fluffy white head which takes some time to dissipate. There is light lacing left on the glass; strong carbonation. The beer is a yellow /orange and when held up to the light a lot of sediment (yeast)? can be seen.
The smell is crisp, clean and tangy, maybe some orange and/or lemon zest in there.
The taste follows the nose with a clean, crisp lager taste followed by some lemon peel and orange. The finish is a little dry.
Overall there is nothing amazing going on with this lager, it is not the worst adjunct lager I have tasted but it is not the best either. I would drink it again but I will not go looking for it.
★ 663 characters
This brew pours with a large three finger fluffy white head which takes some time to dissipate. There is light lacing left on the glass; strong carbonation. The beer is a yellow /orange and when held up to the light a lot of sediment (yeast)? can be seen.
The smell is crisp, clean and tangy, maybe some orange and/or lemon zest in there.
The taste follows the nose with a clean, crisp lager taste followed by some lemon peel and orange. The finish is a little dry.
Overall there is nothing amazing going on with this lager, it is not the worst adjunct lager I have tasted but it is not the best either. I would drink it again but I will not go looking for it.
★ 663 characters
2.73/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
This is an exception to my rule that brew is best closer to home. The only reason (I believe) that Tusker has become so popular is because there are so many tourists in Kenya and it is a novelty to drink an African beer with that oh-so-African elephant on the label. This one is basically plain old beer and is a VERY far cry from the Malt Lager by Tusker, which I think is supremely better and shows more attention to craft. All of this brews qualities are the standard mass produced ones. The end.
★ 499 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
This is an exception to my rule that brew is best closer to home. The only reason (I believe) that Tusker has become so popular is because there are so many tourists in Kenya and it is a novelty to drink an African beer with that oh-so-African elephant on the label. This one is basically plain old beer and is a VERY far cry from the Malt Lager by Tusker, which I think is supremely better and shows more attention to craft. All of this brews qualities are the standard mass produced ones. The end.
★ 499 characters
2.73/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Poured a clear light gold with a big foamy head that did not last. Minimal lacing.
Light scented with sweet grain.
Light watery flavors of cereal, light sweet grain, some grassy elements, and a little bitter bite. No skunk, nothing offensive, but rather weak.
Light in body and decently carbonated. Refreshing thirst quencher, but that is all. I can see where this would be a choice in 120 degree heat. Overall, not horrific, and no real off-weird flavors -- just not alot going on either. Cool to try, but not worth seeking.
★ 528 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Poured a clear light gold with a big foamy head that did not last. Minimal lacing.
Light scented with sweet grain.
Light watery flavors of cereal, light sweet grain, some grassy elements, and a little bitter bite. No skunk, nothing offensive, but rather weak.
Light in body and decently carbonated. Refreshing thirst quencher, but that is all. I can see where this would be a choice in 120 degree heat. Overall, not horrific, and no real off-weird flavors -- just not alot going on either. Cool to try, but not worth seeking.
★ 528 characters
2.71/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A: Pours a crystal clear very pale yellow with a finger tall bright white head that is fizzy like soda. The head dissipates rather quickly but does leave some lacing on the glass. There is a fair amount of visible carbonation.
S: Very little smell at all to this beer - what I can detect is slightly crisp with the predominant smell being of corn and grain. In addition to that there is a slight hint of a metallic smell which is interesting since this is not from a can.
T: Upfront the taste is mostly corn and grain with the slightest hint of malts. The aftertaste has hints of lemon. Overall the taste is kind of watery and there is not a lot of flavor.
M: Light to medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly crisp.
O: Very easy to drink and quite sessionable due to the light flavors, smell, and ABV. But honestly, I'm not sure that I would really want to drink many of these or have it again... I prefer a little more flavor and something a little more interesting.
★ 992 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A: Pours a crystal clear very pale yellow with a finger tall bright white head that is fizzy like soda. The head dissipates rather quickly but does leave some lacing on the glass. There is a fair amount of visible carbonation.
S: Very little smell at all to this beer - what I can detect is slightly crisp with the predominant smell being of corn and grain. In addition to that there is a slight hint of a metallic smell which is interesting since this is not from a can.
T: Upfront the taste is mostly corn and grain with the slightest hint of malts. The aftertaste has hints of lemon. Overall the taste is kind of watery and there is not a lot of flavor.
M: Light to medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly crisp.
O: Very easy to drink and quite sessionable due to the light flavors, smell, and ABV. But honestly, I'm not sure that I would really want to drink many of these or have it again... I prefer a little more flavor and something a little more interesting.
★ 992 characters
2.71/5 rDev -10%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Poured this into a pilsner glass, as it was all I had in the house at the moment.
A: A golden, straw-like colour. Looks like a standard lager. Less carbonation than I expected, however.
S: Smells quite good, actually. A little sweet, with a touch of hops at the end of the nose. I was surprised actually, considering it was shipped from Africa.
T: I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. Maybe it was the green in the bottle, but I may have had something a little skunky. It was flat- the carbonation in the glass didn't transfer onto my palate. I was also thrown off- I couldn't taste any of the malt, and the hops were overpowering a in a lager.
M: Not pleasant to drink, but not unpleasant. I'd have a couple of these, but it would only be if I were planning on having some food with it.
O: Overall, I wasn't entirely impressed- but not turned off. This is actually the first African beer I've ever had, so I'm looking forward to exploring other flavours and styles.
★ 989 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Poured this into a pilsner glass, as it was all I had in the house at the moment.
A: A golden, straw-like colour. Looks like a standard lager. Less carbonation than I expected, however.
S: Smells quite good, actually. A little sweet, with a touch of hops at the end of the nose. I was surprised actually, considering it was shipped from Africa.
T: I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. Maybe it was the green in the bottle, but I may have had something a little skunky. It was flat- the carbonation in the glass didn't transfer onto my palate. I was also thrown off- I couldn't taste any of the malt, and the hops were overpowering a in a lager.
M: Not pleasant to drink, but not unpleasant. I'd have a couple of these, but it would only be if I were planning on having some food with it.
O: Overall, I wasn't entirely impressed- but not turned off. This is actually the first African beer I've ever had, so I'm looking forward to exploring other flavours and styles.
★ 989 characters
2.7/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
First African beer I've ever tried. Pours clear gold with an average white head. Pale malt and mineral water aroma. Thin, but has a pleasant light and sweet taste. Really good on a hot day, no real shock as it is from Kenya. Not going to get again, but worth trying.
★ 266 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
First African beer I've ever tried. Pours clear gold with an average white head. Pale malt and mineral water aroma. Thin, but has a pleasant light and sweet taste. Really good on a hot day, no real shock as it is from Kenya. Not going to get again, but worth trying.
★ 266 characters
2.7/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Mostly clear, but not as much as others of this style. Golden straw colored with white foamy head of low retention, but filming and lacing. Smell is grainy and incredibly sweet from malt and adjunct, not so much esters/alcohol. A strong rice and barley taste, mildly sweet, followed by small hop bite, but mellows back down with grainy retro-olfaction. Thin, a little less than smooth, highly carbonated, crisp and refreshing. Fairly distinct from other Adjunct and Pale Lagers, making less of an attempt to mask adjuncts.
★ 522 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Mostly clear, but not as much as others of this style. Golden straw colored with white foamy head of low retention, but filming and lacing. Smell is grainy and incredibly sweet from malt and adjunct, not so much esters/alcohol. A strong rice and barley taste, mildly sweet, followed by small hop bite, but mellows back down with grainy retro-olfaction. Thin, a little less than smooth, highly carbonated, crisp and refreshing. Fairly distinct from other Adjunct and Pale Lagers, making less of an attempt to mask adjuncts.
★ 522 characters
2.7/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
got from the LS ... pours with a great big healthy head ... lacing is quite supreme, good start here ... has some corn and a hop smell similar to saaz ... some sweetness in the chewer ... is a very refreshing lager beer, also has a low to medium crispness ... not bad stuff, i can see drinking this in Nairobi...
★ 312 characters
look: 5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
got from the LS ... pours with a great big healthy head ... lacing is quite supreme, good start here ... has some corn and a hop smell similar to saaz ... some sweetness in the chewer ... is a very refreshing lager beer, also has a low to medium crispness ... not bad stuff, i can see drinking this in Nairobi...
★ 312 characters
2.7/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Served in the 500 mL bottle, into a pint glass. The color is straw yellow, with a decent white head. The smell is a pale malt with a bit of hoppiness. The taste is a slightly adjuncted pale malt with a bit of hoppiness to it. Mouthfeel is average. As for drinkability, for what it is I could have a couple.
I realize that 90% of national beers are going to be pale lagers. I have to say that this is amongst the better ones I've had in that national pale lager category. Not that this is something I'd rush out to find, but the Kenyans should be proud of a better-than-average national beer.
★ 594 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Served in the 500 mL bottle, into a pint glass. The color is straw yellow, with a decent white head. The smell is a pale malt with a bit of hoppiness. The taste is a slightly adjuncted pale malt with a bit of hoppiness to it. Mouthfeel is average. As for drinkability, for what it is I could have a couple.
I realize that 90% of national beers are going to be pale lagers. I have to say that this is amongst the better ones I've had in that national pale lager category. Not that this is something I'd rush out to find, but the Kenyans should be proud of a better-than-average national beer.
★ 594 characters
2.69/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
A - light goldish
S- malty, like malt liquor
T - tast like a malt liquor, not like King Cobra cheap malt liqor, more like a German style malt liqour (there is a differnce)
M- smooth crisp finish
D- not my style of beer, but i have had them and they are slightly appealing
Kinda cool to say you have drink a beer made in Kenya but its not $2.99 worth of beer, domestic brewery's make way better lagers for a lot cheaper, mainly paying for importing price
★ 453 characters
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
A - light goldish
S- malty, like malt liquor
T - tast like a malt liquor, not like King Cobra cheap malt liqor, more like a German style malt liqour (there is a differnce)
M- smooth crisp finish
D- not my style of beer, but i have had them and they are slightly appealing
Kinda cool to say you have drink a beer made in Kenya but its not $2.99 worth of beer, domestic brewery's make way better lagers for a lot cheaper, mainly paying for importing price
★ 453 characters
2.69/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Appearance- Pours up a good amount of head which really has no retention at all. The head is a pure cotton white while the body is a clear pale straw that appears as a mix of pale straw and weak lemon when held up to the light. A speck or two of lacing.
Nose- Fairly boring, typical AAL aroma. I get sour grain from the glass while the bottle shows some cornflakes, grain, and a hint of sweet malt. Swirling does little to coax anymore scents- most likely because there aren't any.
Taste- Pretty much as boring as the nose and reflective of it as well. Sour grain, cornflakes, cereal, and a hint of sweet malt (maybe even a little bit of white grape). A very slightly bitter finish that has some earthiness, perhaps even a tinge of woodiness. Not as watery as a lot of AALs but pretty much as boring. The most positive aspect of this beer is there aren't really any off flavors.
Mouthfeel- Light bodied with light carbonation. A little bit of a dry finish. It maybe could use a little more carbonation.
Drinkability- Very sessionable but the real question is why would you want to? And at 2.50 a bottle, just go and grab a PBR already.
Overall- Very mediocre to almost poor. We've all had this beer before and it's pretty much the reason why many of us are so obsessive about craft beer- we want a beer that tastes like something. This doesn't. You can pass on it.
★ 1,373 characters
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Appearance- Pours up a good amount of head which really has no retention at all. The head is a pure cotton white while the body is a clear pale straw that appears as a mix of pale straw and weak lemon when held up to the light. A speck or two of lacing.
Nose- Fairly boring, typical AAL aroma. I get sour grain from the glass while the bottle shows some cornflakes, grain, and a hint of sweet malt. Swirling does little to coax anymore scents- most likely because there aren't any.
Taste- Pretty much as boring as the nose and reflective of it as well. Sour grain, cornflakes, cereal, and a hint of sweet malt (maybe even a little bit of white grape). A very slightly bitter finish that has some earthiness, perhaps even a tinge of woodiness. Not as watery as a lot of AALs but pretty much as boring. The most positive aspect of this beer is there aren't really any off flavors.
Mouthfeel- Light bodied with light carbonation. A little bit of a dry finish. It maybe could use a little more carbonation.
Drinkability- Very sessionable but the real question is why would you want to? And at 2.50 a bottle, just go and grab a PBR already.
Overall- Very mediocre to almost poor. We've all had this beer before and it's pretty much the reason why many of us are so obsessive about craft beer- we want a beer that tastes like something. This doesn't. You can pass on it.
★ 1,373 characters
2.69/5 rDev -10.6%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Presentation: 500ml, tall thin brown glass bottle. Crown cap is color and design coordinated. An Elephants head sits inside a yellow oval which is in turn inside a white one set against a black label. Gold, black and yellow V-shaped neck label completes the presentation. Front label has the inkjet code Mfg 31 May 05 Exp 31 May 06, guess this one is a bit past its prime maybe!? Listed as 4.2% v/v Grav: 1037° - 1039°. My bottle is labeled as Tusker Finest Quality Lager.
Appearance: Sad flaccid pathetic looks, the fizzling white head disappears rapidly to a thin halo like edge, the surface reflects the lightly hazed milky golden pong beneath.
Nose: Sweet malts, some whiff of that awful pink colored bubble gum that is directed at kids and a gentle floral character which often merges into bubble gum aromas actually.
Taste: Light grain and a sweet hoppy nature. Some flowery tingles here and there. A very low tasting affair that seems one-dimensional and a little boring.
Mouthfeel: Thin, but not in a bad way, the texture is in line with the low key taste profile but it never seems to bolster it. The finish has a good balance though.
Drinkability: I can take it or leave it. Hmm, this is another one of those famous local brews that obviously dominates a local market, and has a rather mythical status, but on closer inspection really fails to live up to anything other than a very average beer that has a bigger personality profile that it deserves.
Overall: KenYa beer?!? Nah! More of a KeenNO beer this is a I am not so Keen on this beer actually. I always wanted to give it a whirl though, well thats my curiosity well and truly put down, I have no plans to head out to Kenya thats for sure.
★ 1,745 characters
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Presentation: 500ml, tall thin brown glass bottle. Crown cap is color and design coordinated. An Elephants head sits inside a yellow oval which is in turn inside a white one set against a black label. Gold, black and yellow V-shaped neck label completes the presentation. Front label has the inkjet code Mfg 31 May 05 Exp 31 May 06, guess this one is a bit past its prime maybe!? Listed as 4.2% v/v Grav: 1037° - 1039°. My bottle is labeled as Tusker Finest Quality Lager.
Appearance: Sad flaccid pathetic looks, the fizzling white head disappears rapidly to a thin halo like edge, the surface reflects the lightly hazed milky golden pong beneath.
Nose: Sweet malts, some whiff of that awful pink colored bubble gum that is directed at kids and a gentle floral character which often merges into bubble gum aromas actually.
Taste: Light grain and a sweet hoppy nature. Some flowery tingles here and there. A very low tasting affair that seems one-dimensional and a little boring.
Mouthfeel: Thin, but not in a bad way, the texture is in line with the low key taste profile but it never seems to bolster it. The finish has a good balance though.
Drinkability: I can take it or leave it. Hmm, this is another one of those famous local brews that obviously dominates a local market, and has a rather mythical status, but on closer inspection really fails to live up to anything other than a very average beer that has a bigger personality profile that it deserves.
Overall: KenYa beer?!? Nah! More of a KeenNO beer this is a I am not so Keen on this beer actually. I always wanted to give it a whirl though, well thats my curiosity well and truly put down, I have no plans to head out to Kenya thats for sure.
★ 1,745 characters
2.68/5 rDev -11%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Pours a very pale golden color with a thin white head that quickly disappears. Aroma of grass and sour apples, I did not like. Light flavor, the taste has a little sweet malt and lemon, and some more of that sour apple. Body is quite thin, typical for a lager. Not completely undrinkable, but not something I'd buy again.
★ 321 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Pours a very pale golden color with a thin white head that quickly disappears. Aroma of grass and sour apples, I did not like. Light flavor, the taste has a little sweet malt and lemon, and some more of that sour apple. Body is quite thin, typical for a lager. Not completely undrinkable, but not something I'd buy again.
★ 321 characters
2.68/5 rDev -11%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Served in a Budweiser pokal.
On the occasion of my 200th review, I've opted for my first African brew. Hailing from the southern portion of the Horn, Tusker looks Droopy-esque, all sad and unappealing with its run-of-the-mill sallow color and foamy white head. Frankly, if I saw an elephant looking like this, I'd be afeared of cathcing some new-fangled Elephant Flu. The high compliments don't end there, as the smell, though intriguing, is generally off-puttingly sour. Now, I'm not tslking gueuze or Flanders red here, but just a subtle, faint funk. The rest of the smell is very ho-hum: rice, corn, wheat, oh my...how boring and AAL of it. Which reminds me: why do so many non-American countries seemingly exclusively brew up AALs? I guess it's efficient and cheap and whatnot, but still... What would be nice would be a new and different take on the AAL, but no, it's all the same old song here, just with a different label from where it's from (the Temps didn't like that version of the song): corn syrup, rice cake, and vague wheat somber the proceedings the way the Big 3 have for decades. A slight tin flavor makes things extra disappointing. Apparently in keeping with tradition, the light body, moderate carbonation, and watery feel are all maintained in accordance with the BMC Neutrality Laws. At least you can just pound it down, right? All the better to get to your next brew.
★ 1,392 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Served in a Budweiser pokal.
On the occasion of my 200th review, I've opted for my first African brew. Hailing from the southern portion of the Horn, Tusker looks Droopy-esque, all sad and unappealing with its run-of-the-mill sallow color and foamy white head. Frankly, if I saw an elephant looking like this, I'd be afeared of cathcing some new-fangled Elephant Flu. The high compliments don't end there, as the smell, though intriguing, is generally off-puttingly sour. Now, I'm not tslking gueuze or Flanders red here, but just a subtle, faint funk. The rest of the smell is very ho-hum: rice, corn, wheat, oh my...how boring and AAL of it. Which reminds me: why do so many non-American countries seemingly exclusively brew up AALs? I guess it's efficient and cheap and whatnot, but still... What would be nice would be a new and different take on the AAL, but no, it's all the same old song here, just with a different label from where it's from (the Temps didn't like that version of the song): corn syrup, rice cake, and vague wheat somber the proceedings the way the Big 3 have for decades. A slight tin flavor makes things extra disappointing. Apparently in keeping with tradition, the light body, moderate carbonation, and watery feel are all maintained in accordance with the BMC Neutrality Laws. At least you can just pound it down, right? All the better to get to your next brew.
★ 1,392 characters
Tusker Premium Lager from East African Breweries Ltd (Kenya Breweries)
3.01
out of 5
based on 705 ratings.
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
I had this at the suggestion of my cousin Chris while we were at Shakespear's Pub in Sarasota, FL. See if I take his advise again....
This beer was average macro lager right down the line. Although, the taste was even more watered down than even most domestics.
Little head retention and no lacing. Color was clear fizzy yellow.
Almost non existant nose on this one.... some light malt taste.
Taste: like a light beer... very little substance.
MF: Too fizzy... but average in every respect.
Drinkability: Nothing special here. Avoid in favor of some richer, more robust beers.
★ 584 characters