Tsingtao and General Tsao a perfect match.
Written: Jun 05 '00 (Updated Nov 06 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good lager that accompanies a wide variety of food.
Cons: Lacks some body and flavor
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| TSomes's Full Review: Tsingtao Brewing Co Pale Lager |
From one of the ancient cultures of the world comes a pale lager worth trying. While this beer will not have the same cultural influences as the Ming dynasty or the great wall it does provide a worthy beverage alternative for those visits to your local Chinese restaurant.
From the creators of fireworks.
Throughout time Chinese culture has impacted all the corners of the earth. China has always been a place of mystery and intrigue. From its early warlords that ruled with an iron fist to the suppressive culture of Mao, China's border has always sheltered the country from western influences.
When I was growing up the term 'Made in China' was a sign of a cheaply produced product. These things were usually mass produced inexpensive items. Today many of the products we use on a daily basis wear the 'Made in China' label. Products ranging from clothing to electronics and beer. Yes, today China even exports beer.
Sing out for a Tsingtao
The Tsingtao brewery claims that Tsingtao Beer is the number one imported Chinese beer in the United States. I can accept that but I would also ask if anyone knows of another Chinese beer that is imported to the United States. There may be others but none with the sales, recognition and distribution of Tsingtao. Tsingtao beer is the number-one consumer branded product exported from China. I would again ask the same question, how many consumer products imported from China are you aware of?
Which came the first The Great Wall or The Great Beer.
Tsingtao ... The Great Beer of China.
German settlers in Qinqdao, China founded the Tsingtao Brewery, in 1903. The brewery only brews and bottles Tsingtao Beer, which is sold in more than 30 countries worldwide and accounts for more than 90 percent of China's total beer exports. I am not sure of the brands that comprise the other ten- percent but it is easy to see why there are not many widely known Chinese beer brands. Many people have never heard of or tasted a Tsingtao let alone any other Chinese brand.
Tsingtao beer is the number-one branded consumer product exported from China and the Tsingtao Brewery is the most prestigious of approximately 800 breweries operating in China. I was amazed to find out that China had 800 breweries but for the worlds most populated country that number is just a drop in the perennial bucket.
So what makes this The Great Beer?
Tsingtao's web site describes the beer as having a pleasant aroma and a balanced taste. The beer's malty flavor and hopped character make it a great beverage to compliment your Chinese dinner.
Tsingtao is produced with spring water from Laoshan, a mountain area famous throughout China for the purity of its water. I have never heard of any problems with the drinking water in China, unlike Mexico, so either the water is good or the news reports have been suppressed.
The hops used to brew the beer are domestic to China and are of high enough quality that they are exported for use by European breweries. The yeast and barley used by Tsingtao are imported from Australia and Canada making Tsingtao an international Chinese product.
And the winner is…
Gold Medal
-- "Chefs in America," a prestigious culinary association
Silver Medal/Pilsner category
-- 1995 World Beer Championships
Bronze Medal/Pilsner category
--1994 World Beer Championships
My tasting.
Tsingtao goes great with white rice and all your other favorite Chinese dishes. I know what you're saying, white rice has no flavor and maybe that's my point.
This beer is a mild 3.8% alcohol and you can drink several of these beers before the alcohol catches up with you. By that time you are through with the Generals Tsou's chicken and have moved on to the beef and broccoli. Although Tsingtao has a mild hop flavor it is by no means as hoppy as the great India Pales of the world and while the malt is present it sits in the back seat at best.
I found this beer to be as advertised, it had a nondescript yet pleasant aroma and just enough body to not fall into the watered down beverage category. This is not a big beer, this beer is meant as an accompaniment to a Chinese meal that has a wide variety flavors and textures.
I found Tsingtao had sufficient flavors to go with the bland foods such as Lo Mein and rice yet was not so hoppy as to compete with the spice of many Chinese dishes. This beer is great for what it is marketed for, washing down your Chinese foods. I would not recommend you go out and buy a case for the weekend but do give one a try the next time you go out for dinner.
Oh I almost forgot, this beer does not come with a little umbrella.
Recommended:
Yes
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TSomes
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Member: Tedd Somes
Location: Bolton, CT.
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About Me:
Just an ordinary guy with opinions on life and the world around us.
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