Andalou Efes Brewery - "Efes" lager

In many places outside of the US, the craft beer movement either does not exist or is in its infancy. That doesn't mean there isn't solid, decent beer to be had, however. Today's beer is one such example, a Euro-style pilsner from Andalou Efes Brewery in Turkey, billed as "the no. 1 Mediterranean beer", a claim which is of course difficult to validate. However, apparently Andalou Efes sponsors a Turkish basketball team, Andalou Efes S.K., which according to their website has won the Turkish Super League championship 14 times. I wonder if they consume their products before every match.

Before the world went to hell, I ordered this beer at the Queen Amannisa restaurant in Crystal City, VA. Our waiter said that he is from the same province that Efes is made in, so that's pretty neat. He pours the beer into a water glass, not that it really matters.

So, while it has many of the characteristics of a European lager - that is, light with pronounced wheat flavors, there are a few notable differences. "Efes" is noticeably sweeter and has less carbonation. The second part is what I appreciate the most...I always feel like I'm drinking soda when I have a lager, but this beer's texture is a bit thicker and more "still", which in my opinion allows for a clearer presentation of the flavors here. Lots of bready, yeasty flavors which come through nicely. Overall a nice beer and one that's easy drinking yet flavorful. And fun to try an Anatolian beer!