Bintang Pilsener

Type: Pilsener

ABV: 4.7%

Location: Bali, Indonesia

When in Rome… Or you know, Bali.  The imitation Heineken, with its red star and green bottle; you don’t full me Bintang.  Few beers have the market cornered like Bintang, it screams bargain beach holiday and is synonymous with Bali.  Bintang is more of a life style than a beer and a shirt of singlet plastered with a giant BINTANG logo is the go to souvenir for many tourists.

It can be found everywhere, every restaurant, every bar, corner store; even people sell it to you off the street.  Actually was quite surprised to discover that when I turned a tap on Bintang didn’t come gushing out of the faucet.  From time to time I was surprised to see a different beer offered on the drinks menu, but I was soon informed that they have sold out and they only have… surprise, surprise… Bintang left.  Extremely cheap ranging from approximately $2 - $5 depending upon location.  Bargain.

The drinking water in Bali is rank.  Drinking it will cause you to spend the next few days rotating between you backside on and head over the dunny.  I suggest substituting water for Bintang, sure you could buy bottled water, but come on.  You also have to support the local industry; millions of people would become unemployed if you didn’t do your part.  Hell I was even brushing my teeth using the stuff.  A common saying in Bali is “a Bintang a day keeps the doctor away.” (Note that I do not speak Indonesian; this is just what I assume they said).

As much as I am taking the piss about the Bintang monopoly it isn’t a bad beer.  Best severed ice cold.  It is a clear yellow malty beer, with flavours of toasted grain and hints of pepper, which leaves you with a citrus hoppy finish.  Lacks body, which probably makes it easier to knock back a few without thinking.  A weak aroma with some subtle (or accidental?) floral notes.  Great in hot climates and suited to the traditional cuisine that Indonesia has to offer.

 

I feel every beer just tastes better in its native homeland (dare I say half a star better?).

 

3/5 stars