So as I walked the beer isle looking for a choice beverage, I had a novel (well to me) idea.Why not take a beerventure in the world of shwag beer. I think we can all agree on the pointlessness of reviewing the big guns, like Miller and Bud, but a venture into cheap "craft" beer seemed like a fun (and inexpensive) journey. I snagged a 12 pack of Dundee's Craft Pack, which offers 4 varieties of their take on classic Ales and Lagers. The Craft Pack features a Stout, India Pale Ale, Kolsch Style Ale, and a Pale Bock Lager. I figured at a price tag of around a buck a beer I couldn't go wrong, especially with the hot days still among us.
The Stout:
Alright. First of all I am a big fan of creamy stouts. I get very skeptical about carbonated stouts, and would always prefer a Beamish or Young's Double Chocolate over a stout that is full of CO2. The Stout here is a bit on the weak side. It lacks that full bodied, just-drank-a-loaf-of-bread feeling and after my first I was feeling a little dissatisfied, although for the price, what could I really expect? I will say in this beer's favor that it gets better as it goes. As I continued through I found myself enjoying the effect of not feeling full from the Stout. If I was ranking it straight I would be hesitant to give this beer anything above a 3 but for the purpose of ranking these "shwag ales" I'm instituting an "Shwag Adjustment Scale" or SAS of 4 to the Stout.
The India Pale Ale:
All I have to say is this: If the India Pale Ale was labeled a Pale Ale I would give it a 3.5 straight up. But since it is a pale ale masquerading in the his much stronger older brother's bottle I have to give it SAS rank of 4.
The Pale Bock:
This beer was the most indistinct of the bunch. Not a lot of flavor or character. If there is nothing better around then I guess it would do, but I almost imagine I'd reach for the Pabst over this disappointing variety. SAS 3.
The Kolsch-Style Lager:
Easily my favorite of the pack! This is a beer I would be glad to drink on a hot afternoon. It is crisp, clear and refreshing. Although it lacks a substantial amount of the flavor complexities of traditional Kolsch Lagers, it makes up for it which true "drinkability" that was just refreshing. SAS 5.
Overall I think the Dundee Craft Pack is a step in the right direction for the brewers of Honey Brown. There were some highs and lows but overall it is a great value. Give it a try.
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