Costa Rica News – Since in Costa Rica the weekend starts each and every Thursday whether or not there is a holiday or not (see how much work you get from your Costa Rican employees on a Friday), we decided to delve into the real Costa Rican national beverage……beer.
Ever since 1957, when Florida took over the Cerveceria Ortega, Costa Rica has been a one brewery kind of country. Cerveceria de Costa Rica provides us with 8 beers to choose from. Most people choose one and stick to it. There is little need to vary from your favorite, at least that’s the general mindset here. To save you the need to taste test, here is some info about each of the 8.
Imperial is my personal favorite, and I am not alone! It’s the most popular. You will see the eagle logo everywhere! It’s a light bodied taste with a sweet malt and corn base. It has a crisp and dry feel.
Pilsen is the competitor in popularity, and it comes in as a close second. The flavor is thinner and to me it lacks the hops flavor that’s needed for balance. It’s rather watery.
Bavaria Gold is the upscale choice in a pretty package. It’s the best pale lager with a clean flavor. It’s firmer with less corn flavor.
Bavaria Dark is a Vienna style dark amber. It’s a maltier mouthful with a clean aroma. The pickier beer drinkers prefer this drink as it has no noticeable defects and is well balanced.
Bavaria Light is a low calorie and low alcohol beer that’s a little bitter. Those on a diet will like this choice. It compares well to light beers in the States.
Rock Ice is popular with young crowds but is relatively oily and unbalanced! It’s best to have after a few better drinks.
Kaiser is a no-alcohol fake beer. Enough said, right? Don’t bother trying it.
Heineken is Holland’s famous brand. It’s brewed locally in Costa Rica as well. It’s known for its firm pale malt body. It has a strong aroma and flavor of hops. It’s a good international choice available at a national price.
