I am sailing the ship to Strasbourg, France, to the Brasseries Kronenbourg to try Kronenbourg 1664.  The beer is named for the year the original brewery, “Brasserie Du Canon,” was founded by master brewer Jerome Hatt.  It is a Euro Pale Lager style brewed with a hop exclusive to Alsace, France called Strisselspalt creating a very unique taste.

Appearance - I am going to enjoy it in my new BJ’s Brewhouse limited edition Grand Cru glass.  It is being served well chilled.  As you can see, it pours a luminous light golden color with a two finger snow-white head.  I can already smell that telltale Euro lager funk that you get from beers like Heineken. 

Smell – there is a sweet grassy aroma, slightly biscuity.  There is nothing wrong with that pungent, skunky smell.  In fact, many brewers desire it and select special yeast strains that accentuate it.  There is the common misconception that all beers in a green bottle (like Kronenbourg) are “skunked” by light affecting it but do not fret, you are only drinking a carefully crafted masterpiece by a proud European brewer.

Taste – rather refreshing with a crisp, slightly spicy finish created by the hops.  It produces a tang on the tip of my tongue.  I would say it is a little maltier than Heineken but remains very sessionable.

This is a decent Euro Lager.  Be sure to raise a pint July 14^th for the French holiday Bastille Day.   Kronenbourg 1664 can be found at any ABC near you.

Beer blogger Adam Shugan is store manager at our Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, store