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Holland
 scrapes in  decent  good  excellent  sublime
Grolsch (Holland) Premium Lager 
Brewed in Holland, this was the classic swing-top Grolsch, a big-brand lager that I've always considered one of the best of its type. It pours a fairly deep gold with a decent white head. The nose is nettly and hoppy, with lots of
pungent vegetal notes and a hint of toast. On the palate there's a nice play between bitter hops and a certain sweetness in the finish, and there's a nice supporting malt note
that adds a bit of weight. Usually available on a cheap deal, it's a good mass-market lager. 45cl. 5.0%ABV. £1.29 or so, widely available
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Gulpener Korenwolf
The Korenwolf of this beer's name is in fact the name of a grain-eating wild hamster, found in the locality of the brewery, and pictured on the label. A mix of wheat, barley, spelt and rye, this beer is also flavoured with
elderflower, corriander and orange peel to give a beautifully aromatic nose, where the note of coriander dominates over, high, estery wheatbeer character. On the palate it is quite creamy and rich,
with a fine, dry hopinness and lots of fruity depth. There's a rich, earthy breadth to this beer and though refreshing, it offers plenty of complexity. Lovely stuff.
33cl. 5.0%ABV.
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Koningshoeven, La Trappe Dubbel (crock bottle)
This beer is, famously, the only non-Belgian genuine Trappist beer. This striking "Crock" (stone bottle) is, I believe, exclusive to Waitrose in the UK. The beer pours a very dark chocolaty red colour, with a caramel-coloured head. On the
nose there are all sorts of sweet summer fruit notes, a hint of briar, and plenty of toffee and chocolate. On the palate it is medium-bodied, with an immediate burnt toast flavour adding an interesting edge to mollasses and brown sugar.
Some hops show through, and though I'd have liked a little more staying power - it rather dies away - it is a very good beer if not over-chilled. 50cl. 6.5%ABV. £2.99
Waitrose.
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