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Beer No: 79
Page No: 93
Category: Amber

Well, despite a pretty boring second game with a 0-0 tie between France and Uruguay, the day went very well in South Africa.  Somehow, as the #83 ranked team in the world, South Africa was able to get a 1-1 tie with #17 ranked Mexico.  The game was actually very entertaining with Mexico dominating the first half, having a goal wiped away on an offsides (the correct call) and then coming out in the second half somewhat listless and allowing South Africa to score first on Tshabalala’s goal – the first goal in a World Cup on African soil (trivia right there for y’all).  So with those four teams going, today’s first World Cup beer came from Mexico – the Cucapa Barley Wine Ale.

Now, I’m not a fan of Barley Wines – I think I’ve made that clear in the past.  The alcohol just isn’t hidden enough for me and I always prefer hops to malts.  So these strong, high ABV, malty beverages just don’t sit well with me and I tend to avoid them when I have the choice.  However, this was the only Mexican beer left that I could find in stores, so, a barley wine it is.  1001 Beers doesn’t really have much to say about this barley wine and instead goes into how the brewery was named, which is probably a good idea, as I didn’t enjoy this barley wine at all.  I found it just way too sweet – full of malts, alcohol, and flavors of raisins and sugar.  Overall, not the best start to the World Cup drinking experience, but, I’ll be sampling upwards of 32 stouts tomorrow, so I’m sure that will be a much better experience.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Cucapa Barley Wine Ale (Centenario) by Cerveceria Cucapa

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 6/10
Palate: 2/5
Overall: 11/20

Rating: 2.8 / 5.0

Had from 750 ml bottle from Hi Time Wines. Pours ruby brown with no head and very slight carbonation. Lacing is good. Aromas of sugar, fruits, raisin, toffee, malts, and caramel. Taste is similar, very sweet, overpowering sugars and fruits. Heavy alcohol flavor with lots of malts and toffee. Finishes sweet. Not my favorite style, but I have had better barley wines. An ambitious beer from Mexico though.

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