Cock and Bull Classic Draught

Brewed by Steam Brewing Company
Style: American Dark Lager
Auckland, New Zealand

Serve in Dimpled mug, Lager glass, Shaker

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Draught at the Newmarket Cock & Bull (Auckland), gold with a filmy head. Not really much of an aroma at all, just some earthy malt coming through. A mellow earthy malt palate, with sweet caramal. Some dryish hops in the finish. Typical NZ draught style.

(On tap) Clear, amber golden with a tiny, creamy, off-white head. Aroma of caramel and - surprisingly - a little citrus. Light in body with a soft mouthfeel and a fairly low carbonation. Flavours have a little caramel and malt and ends with a very discreet bitterness. But for once a NZ draught with a touch of personality. 060508

I only had time for two quick beers in transit at this Hamilton brewpub and Christ alone knows why I chose this. Let’s just say I didn’t know I was choosing a beer designed "to please the less adventurous beer drinker". It’s as dull as that suggests. Inoffensive, certainly, but not a patch on the half-pint of Mayhem that preceded it. Coppery brew with a stunted head. Unappealing aroma of metal pipes, leather armchairs and old school desks - the ones with the inkwells. Hard mouthfeel - too harsh for the style. Tastes of Seltzer and pocket change. There’s some light, peachy fruits struggling for attention but they’re up against a crude metallic finish. Overall, pretty poor. (Draught at Hamilton brewpub)

Draught at Cock & Bull, Auckland. Clear amber, small head. Mangoish and grassy hops are up front. Soft with medium body. It’s surprisingly hoppy with fairly bitter finish. Not at all as dumbed down, as I’d thought.

Unfortunately the descripton is apt. It is styled to please the less adventurous ber drinker. I suppose these brewers have to produce something that the average punter is used to. They come off the street and ask for the equivalent of a Lion or suchlike and need to have this poured for familiarity. Pity. Looks, smells and tastes like a macro brew.

Amber in colour with small creamy head. Typical english bitter with more maltier taste. Big hop finish.