Today I am in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Carlsberg Breweries tasting Carlsberg “Elephant”, a European strong lager.  This is the European equivalent to an American malt liquor.  This type of beer is usually meant for a quick buzz with very little flavor.  Very few microbreweries produce this style for that reason.  Rogue offers “Daddy’s Little Helper,” but mostly you will find those 16 to 40 ouncers like Colt 45, Olde English, Mickey’s, and Steel Reserve.  Rice and corn are heavily used to lighten the body and give a smoother drinkability to offset the high alcohol taste.  I am almost tempted to get a little brown bag for this one--to be honest, it's not my favorite style, and your mileage may vary.

Appearance: I am serving this ice cold in a regular tumbler.  It is a big 7.2% ABV.  A menacing bull elephant stares me down from the silver label.  It pours a light ochre color with a sizzling white head.

Smell: musty wet cereal and alcohol solvent.  The hops are probably Pilsner style Saaz to keep bitterness to a minimum.

Taste: cloying malt sweetness with almost a seltzer water quality and an astringent finish.  The alcohol solvent taste shines through and sits heavy in the stomach.

It is much as to be expected from a strong lager/malt liquor in a convenient twelve ounce size.  Many beer drinkers will probably want to use this in a drinking game for quick inebriation.  It's not to my taste, although there are people who prefer this style. I believe this is the only Euro strong lager ABC has to offer unless there is any Efes or King Cobra is out there.  Break out the beer pong and get to tossing!

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