World Beer Challenge: Fiji (5)

World Beer Challenge

Beer! The world's most widely consumed and oldest alcoholic beverage. Such is the importance of beer in modern society that beer is the third most popular drink in the world, behind water and tea. As such, beer is produced in many of the world's countries, with little variation on the ingredients used; water, malted barley, hops and yeast. Despite the simplicity of just four ingredients, there are huge variations in the taste of beer.

Whilst it's true that many countries produce many beers, it is a rather more difficult challenge to consume a beer from every country that produces the stuff. The beer must be brewed in the country of origin and not brewed under licence overseas.

This challenge started on 6th March 2011. Each country has it's own blog post. You will often see multiple beer entries in each country (denoted by a number after it's name), this is because either 1) the original beer was so horrible, the country deserves a second chance 2) I picked up a very obscure beer and it deserves to be listed 3) I wanted to review a spectrum of beers over the course.

If you have access to a beer from a country that I have not been able to drink yet, drop me a line at bill.adams@gmail.com and we'll sort out a reward in exchange for that beer!

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Fiji (5)

Beer: Fiji Bitter
Brewed: Fosters Group Pacific, Walu Bay, Suva, Fiji Islands
Alcohol Content: 4.6%
Size: 375ml
Sourced: Food4Less, Nadi, Fiji. Thanks to Desmond Singh for bringing this back to Sydney for me!

World Beer Rating: 7/10. Surprisingly good, tastes similar to domestic Fosters brewed in the United Kingdom except a slightly fruity aftertaste. Lovely refreshing beer in the 32 degree heat of Fiji.

Beer: Vonu Pure Lager

Brewed: Island Brewing Company, Nadi, Fiji Islands
Alcohol Content: 4.6%
Size: 330ml
Sourced: Prouds, Nadi, Fiji

World Beer Rating: 10/10. I was absolutely blown away by this beer, it's simply wonderful. Light floral and citrus notes, lightly carbonated. A world class craft beer brewed in Fiji? Indeed it is. I would love this to be eventually exported worldwide.

Beer: Fiji Premium

Brewed: Fosters Group Pacific, Walu Bay, Suva, Fiji Islands
Alcohol Content: 4.6%
Size: 355ml
Sourced: Prouds, Nadi, Fiji

World Beer Rating: 3/10. There is nothing premium about this beer, it's vile. The only thing redeemable is that it is served cold when Fiji is hot. Much like a Crown Lager of Australia, mass produced crap.

Beer: Fiji Gold

Brewed: Fosters Group Pacific, Walu Bay, Suva, Fiji Islands
Alcohol Content: 4.6%
Size: 375ml
Sourced: Prouds, Nadi, Fiji

World Beer Rating: 7/10. Not bad at all, a low carbohydrate alternative to Fiji Bitter. Lacking in flavour but definitely a drinkable session beer and an excellent beer for the Fiji heat.

Beer: Fiji Taki Beer

Brewed: Fosters Group Pacific, Walu Bay, Suva, Fiji Islands
Alcohol Content: 4.6%
Size: 750ml
Sourced: Prouds, Nadi, Fiji

World Beer Rating: 6/10. Boring "Clean Crisp Taste" translates to "Nothing to write home about". Tasted like Tooheys New. Typically mass produced Fijian beer and served cold for thirsty tourists.

World Beer Challenge