Tsingtao from Qingdao
Written: May 01 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: My favorite Chinese beer, light and crisp good with Chinese food.
Cons: Hard to find in south China.
The Bottom Line: Tsingtao is a light, crisp Chinese beer that goes great with Chinese food. It compliments the food and doesn't get in the way.
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| LRai's Full Review: Tsingtao Brewing Co Pale Lager |
Okay so I'm in China and drinking is a national past time here. In fact not drinking is seen as odd. While in China I have learned that eating is a more than just having a meal, it is a social affair and business maker or breaker. You don't just have a 14 course meal you also have 25 toasts or more during that meal. Getting drunk is just a way of life.
So, I am not the world's greatest drinker even in my heyday which was way back. However, I do enjoy a good brew and being in China I was excited that I would get to drink Tsingtao beer.
Well my chances haven't been often as it isn't the preferred beer where I am. Believe it or not they would rather drink Pabst here. I am not joking even Budweiser is considered a better brew. In fact anything American they think is better than Tsingtao. I kept telling them for me it was just being in China I thought drinking a Chinese beer would be the thing. They told me not so.
Okay, Tsingtao is brewed in Qingdao which will be one of the sights for an Olympic venue. The sailing competition will be held there and I'm told it is a lovely spot in China. It however is very far from where I am right now so it isn't going to be one of my stops this trip. I am told however if you do get there you must go to the brewery. It was built during the time when the Germans occupied the territory around 1903. It has German roots which can explain why it is a good beer but it made using local waters which give it a distinct flavor. It is bottled in green glass which some people really don't like but you have to understand the area Qingdao means Green Island which explains their color choice of bottle. Qingdao is also known as the Chinese Switzerland even though it is a sea port and not a sky resort.
Why do I like Tsingtao? Well it goes back to liking Chinese food and having it with a meal just seemed right. It compliments the food without getting in the way of it. It is a light beer and it has at least for me a crisp taste. I am not an expert by any means but I do know what I like and what I don't like. If given the choice of Pabst to Tsingtao well no problem the Tsingtao will win every time with me.
I'm told if you go to the brewery they will let you sample a beer they don't sell which is very good but you need to book a tour in order to go to the brewery just a head's up. So if you plan on being in Qingdao for the Olympic sailing events make sure you book a tour to the brewery and taste a good Chinese beer. Also make sure you pair it with a 14 course Chinese feast and several very energetic Chinese men as drinking buddies, now that's the real China experience.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
LRai
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Member: L Rai
Reviews written: 190
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
Business consultant and English teacher abroad.
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