Labatt Blue

Brewed by Labatt Breweries (InBev)
Style: Pale Lager
London, Canada

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

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Bottle/draft/can you name it. Its an ok beer one the reg ones you find in the area that everyone seems to like. I would call it a picnic beer if that makes sense its good for any time just not that good tasting.

Bottle sampled. A really horrible beer. There’s not much to say about it. I really don’t like this flavourless beer.

Had on draft. Arrived a clear straw yellow with a one finger fizzy white head that was quick to fade. No lacing. Smell way grape soda and cereal grain. The flavor was very grapy which I though was odd. As the beer warmed the grape faded and cereal grain became more evident along with some corn. There was the tiniest amount of bitterness in the finish. Overall this beer is not very good. The whole grape thing was just odd and there are better alternatives out there for AAL’s.

Bottle. Similar to Labatt Classic, but not as fruity aroma and flavor. Slightly sweet. Not as clean finish. Would probably not try again.

It had been years since I’ve had it, so I bought a twelver on impulse (several dollars cheaper than the other imports/micros). I remember enjoying Labatt Blue more in the past than right now. I’d have to say that, for me, it now falls somewhere only slightly above other typical North American macros like Bud or Miller. Looks like ’em, smells like ’em, tastes like ’em, but finishes a little more agreeably. This would be a good "first step" beer for a Bud or Miller drinker who finally feels like exploring a little.

I was expecting far worse. Some grainy aromas, perhaps the merest hint of hay. Colour of pale straw. Tastewise, mostly a malty toast thing going on, with a touch of hops in the background to add some balance. As I say, I was expecting worse, and I have had far worse "craft" lagers.

If you’ve read my review of labatt light, this one will be very similar. I suppose its more flavorful, due only to the fact that this is not a light beer. I’m not sure if this is a good thing though.

A clear blonde lager with a nice white head. Your father and grandpa’s old timers’ beer - unremarkable, not quite tasty, good carbonation saves this one. Enjoyable when it’s ice cold and you need to drink a beer. Drinking this, I can understand why old people around here add salt to their beer glasses...

Tasted from can into nucleated pint glass. Poured a light golden color, large white head, lasting with even a little lace. Aroma is mostly neutral, but faint grass, perhaps a little corn, distant flowery hops. Flavor was very light malt-sweetness, measured bittering and flavoring hops. Tangy, mildly fruity fermentation characteristics, more pronounced than US macros. Light body, spritzy mouthfeel. Better than I expected, definitely a tall-boy to grab when in need. More corn and fruit as it warmed, but still pretty tasty.

Back before Sam Adams and Anchor brought us out of the Beer Dark Ages, you needed to look north of the border if you wanted a decent beer. Labatt’s blue was then and still is my favorite of the bunch. It’s not in the same league as today’s microbrew’s, but if you need to bring a 12-pack to a tailgate you could do a lot worse.