Ambari

Brewed by Impala Distillery & Brewery
Style: Pale Lager
Assolda, Quepem, Goa, India

Serve in Dimpled mug, English pint, Lager glass, Shaker

11.2-ounce brown bottle dates 16 months earlier. Poured a hazy straw color and bled an odd nutty/malty aroma. A sharp, seemingly brettanomyces yeast character dominates the flavor profile- not pleasant. A pale lager malt flavor tries to emerge but is quashed by a harsh, hearly sour note among the otherwise sweet flavors present. Might be better closer to the brewery.

I was at Mela, a delightful Indian restaurant in Soho, with a good friend, ethnically Indian, who insisted that this kind of beer is exactly what you need with Indian food, and particularly in hot climates (London doesn't really qualify). That "contextual" argument for the appreciation of international lagers only goes so far. Despite an interesting, even compelling fruity sweet aroma, and more light-hearted fruity notes in the tasting, this becomes overwhelmed by grassy, ugly flavors. Nice head, but otherwise typical and undistinguished appearance. Don't seek this one out.

its a fun beer