Best Feature: sweet lingering aftertaste

This week's beer is Jamaican Lager from Dockside Brewing Company on Granville Island. The special ingredient or adjunct in this beer is hibiscus that is used to add flavour, aroma, and a very attractive pinkish hue. In the glass, the beer pour clean with a light wispy head. Immediately a mixture of floral and sweet aromas are released creating a very pleasant nose. The body is noticeably light (typical of a lager) with a moderate level of carbonation. The initial taste is sweet then subtle hops in the finish. The most noticeable hibiscus flavour is in the sweet lingering aftertaste; very pleasant and a little unexpected. This beer is very light and easy to drink with only a hint of sweetness from the hibiscus. Often beers like this can be unbalanced - too sweet, too bitter, too strong or too light. Jamaican Lager is one of the most unique lagers available in Vancouver and has well balanced flavours. In addition, most flavoured beers is that they are typically ales with a heavier body that linger. According to the brewmaster, Peter Haupenthal, this beer is a favourite among women. Try Dockside Brewing Company Jamaican Lager with light salty snacks, vinaigrette salad dressing and white cream sauces with pasta or rice.

Watch for other brewpubs and microbrews who offer flavoured lagers for a light and refreshing twist on the lager style of beer!

Beer Fact: Beer from all over the world is flavoured with different herbs, spices and sweeteners. Hibiscus is just one example of a floral additive used in beer.