Beer Review: Founders 160 Golden Lager

OLD AND NEW: Founders 160 Golden Lager is a typically inoffensive mainstream beer, good for a hot summer's day. 091014SP7

Sure to be a popular summer lager, Founders 160 Golden Lager was produced to celebrate the Nelson-based brewery's 160th anniversary.

Apparently the recipe was discovered in an old suitcase owned by the original brewer and has been recreated for today's market.

Those used to drinking full-flavoured craft beers will be a bit disappointed but the brewer has been pretty honest, saying it's more of a traditional recipe, not to be compared to some of the new "bolder beers" on the market.

At 4 per cent, it's an easy drinking mainstream lager which is totally inoffensive.

Although lacking character, it has a nice clean and refreshing taste.

I didn't get much flavour out of the Motueka, Cascade and Pacific Jade hops used in the brew, but it was quite malty.

Yes, I'm a craft beer fan, so I could be accused of being a bit of a beer snob. But, if you don't like craft beer, then you will probably like this.

I'll give this drop three pints out of five.

Beer kindly supplied by Founders Brewery. It is available in most supermarkets and liquor outlets around New Zealand.