A taste of… Banks Caribbean Lager

Banks Brewery
Barbados

Preface: On a fine spring-like morning here in Brooklyn, NY, USA it struck me as a good morning to sample another Caribbean brew. This one, Banks, is new to me although I did run across the mention of the brewery in my research for a book that hasn’t yet been published. This beer retails for $1.84(US).

Description on US bottle label:

“This is the legendary Caribbean beer brewed under sunshine and blue skies and celebrated across the region. Since 1955”

All right, so I’m four years older than the brewery… I’ll try the beer anyway.

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: Here is a brilliant burnished gold brew that is topped with a none-too dense head of medium sized, fairly well knot bubbles. The head slowly recedes leaving not a trace of Belgian Lace.

Aroma: The initial impression is fresh crushed lightly roasted barley malt. The second impression revealed a slightly metallic tang. Lip-to-sip added little to the perceived flavors or aromas of this brew.

Mouth feel: After the initial refreshing chill of the liquid, the first, second and last impression of mouth-feel is lightly experienced.

Flavor: There is a bit more malt sweetness than hop presence to this lager. The effort to brew a refreshing beer that should be served well chilled is accomplished here. However the lack of crispness is the only nit I will pick.

Finish: The not-quite-crisp finish is distracting if it is solo. However, a grilled fillet or steak of fresh caught fish would show this beer off.

Comments: As noted above, the lack of a crisp finish to this brew makes it a good match for simply grilled fish or to put the fire out when sampling some of the spicier cuisine in the Caribbean.

The Brewery: http://www.banksbeer.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/581/7585

RateBeer: http://ratebeer.com/beer/banks-beer-40barbados/4097/39028/