Best Features: smooth, good versatility

Grolsch from Holland is available in three different styles, the tradition bottle six pack, 500 ml cans and the 450 ml swing top (pop top). All of the packaging comes in a nice shade of green. The swing top is especially eye catching and perfect as a gift (first introduced in 1897, it is also nicknamed the "Grolsch top" even on other brands and bottles). The Grolsch international website has a lot of information, including serving temperature (recommended 6-8 degrees Celsius) and glass preparation. As soon as the bottle is opened a citrus and hoppy aroma is immediately released. The beer pours clean into the glass with a light wispy head and a medium amount of carbonation. The bubbles continue to rise in the glass throughout the entire tasting. As advertised, this beer is slow-brewed and this is used to create a clearer appearance and more balanced flavour from start to finish. Grolsch is refreshingly crisp on the tongue with slight grain sweetness in the beginning and obvious hoppy and citrus notes in the finish. A hoppy and crisp premium lager like Grolsch is excellent for cleansing the palate, try this one with everything from pizza to a spicy stir-fry. In addition, Grolsch Premium Lager works well with fatty cheeses and creamy dressings. At $11.99 for 4 swing tops, Grolsch is definitely a good buy for an import lager and a perfect party beer to share with friends.

With a lot of import products like Grolsch, it is a little unfortunate that we do not get a chance to taste other products from the brewery. Lagers remain the favourite style of beer for consumers in North Americans and a vast number of imports into Canada continue to be lagers.

Beer Fact: Grolsch is the #1 selling premium lager in Holland and known as the country's finest brewer. This beer is brewed slowly, for a fuller taste, clear colour and smooth finish.