Well that's what it said on the side of the Tennent's glass I was drinking from on Saturday afternoon at the Irish Rover. I really don't know about the claim but I do know that I'm not a regular lager drinker and I had driven nearly thirty miles across state lines just to drink it! It did not disappoint either.
Why would I go to such lengths to have a couple of pints of lager? Well because it's really good obviously. It is mildly sweet, surprisingly soft on the palate and has a nice floral character that I find very refreshing. I asked my friend how he liked it. “It's kind of flat.” he stated. Yes, it exhibits very low carbonation which probably explains why it is not as harsh as typical lagers. It is more “ale-like” in mouth feel and that is likely why I seek it out when it's available.
When it was time to order another I suggested that my friend try a Harp for a more traditional lager taste. “No,” he said. I'll have another of these. I had another as well and it went down nicely with my Ploughmans.
The best lager in the world? Well it's not even my favorite lager. That comes from another Scottish brewer. McEwans can sometimes be found in bottles or cans at better liquor stores and bars. Now if I ever hear about McEwans on tap, I'll drive a far piece to drink some.
As it was, we drove to Old Towne Liquor’s on Bardstown Rd afterwards and I picked up three 4-packs of Tennents and a sixer of West Sixth's IPA.
Ahhh West Sixth's IPA. Maybe the best IPA in the world? Cheers!