Amstel Light -- Best in its Class?
Written: Oct 13 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Low, low calories; pretty good thirst quencher.
Cons: Very thin body, almost watery. Premium price.
The Bottom Line: One of the finest light lagers on the market today. Low in alcohol and calories.
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| 4-1-1's Full Review: Amstel Light |
In the world of light beers, Amstel Light just may be one of the best beers in its class. This Dutch beer from Amstel Brouwerij is marketed as "A low calorie lager with the taste and flavor of a quality imported beer." Well, indeed, it is an imported beer.
Amstel Light
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In the world of beer statistics, there are two unique kinds of drinkers: those who consider and judge a beer based on its IBU (International Bitterness Units) count and alcohol content, and those who count calories and carbohydrates. Amstel Light is the kind of beer that will appeal to those who count calories and are watching their carbo-intake. A 16 ounce serving of this beer contains:
127 calories
6.7 grams of carbohydrates
0.0 grams of fat
For regular beer drinkers -- and especially for those who enjoy more full-bodied ales -- Amstel Light is like drinking 2% lowfat milk when you are used to drinking whole milk. What makes this beer light -- lower in calories and carbohydrates -- is the fact that it is brewed to a very low alcohol strength: only 3.5% alcohol by volume (as compared to a typical American lager that contains 5% alcohol by volume).
This beer pours with a bright golden color, a moderate amount of carbonation, and produces a light, white-colored foam head that dissipates very quickly. Good hop character in the nose and flavor, and this beer finishes crisp, clean, and with little bitterness. Although it is a fairly thin and almost watery beer (too my tastes), it is quite satisfying and respectable.
Price and Availability
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I purchased a couple of 16 ounce cans of Amstel Light at my local 7-11 convenience store. Price: $1.49 each. A fair price. This beer is imported into the U.S.A. by Amstel USA of White Plains, New York. Amstel Light is the number one imported light beer in America (if you don't count Corona) and is available nationwide.
Recommendations
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This light, crisp tasting lager is perfect for those watching their calories and carbohydrate intake, and is a fine beer to serve with most any kind of meal. If you are watching calories but want great beer taste, try an Amstel Light with something light like... ummm... a cucumber sandwich.
The brewer recommends a serving temperature between 45° and 50°F. There's no need to serve this at ice-cold temperatures, like lesser beer products (e.g., Bud Light, which I had at someone's party two weeks ago).
Verdict: in the world of light beers, this one is a solid choice. Very light, but good and quite satisfying.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
4-1-1
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 - Top 50 |
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Member: Tom Carr
Location: Southern California
Reviews written: 1090
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