Taiwan Beer

Taiwan Beer is a 4.5% ABV lager from...wait for it...Taiwan.  It is brewed and bottled by the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation. It has been brewed since 1919 and in addition to barley and hops is made with local ponlai rice. It is imported by SSC International in South El Monte, California.

The beer pours a light honey golden in color. There is a fizzing head of white foam that rapidly disappears. The aroma is malty, sweet, with a grassy/floral note. The taste follows the aromas, it is surprisingly malty, sweet, with enough grassy hops to keep it from being too sweet. It has a sticky rice with jasmine tea note to it as well. It drinks both fizzy and flat at the same time, strange mouthfeel. I'm not sure I would seek it out again, but it would be a good accompaniment to a spicy stir fry.