ROTHAUS PILS

BEER REVIEW: 411

BREWER: Badische Straatsbrauerei, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

STYLE: Pilsner

ABV: 5.1%

VESSEL: 0,5l brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 22nd August 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Rothaus Pils presents itself with a kind of quiet confidence—a beer that’s not trying to reinvent anything, but is content showing you how good tradition can feel with a little polish. The packaging strikes that balance nicely: heritage without being stuck in it. There’s a modern sensibility in the design, but it still gives a nod to its roots, and it works effortlessly.

The aroma fits the bill: perfumy hop notes that don’t shout but shimmer, gently reminding you that this is, unequivocally, a pilsner. On the palate, those floral hints continue with a refreshing mouthfeel that keeps it crisp without veering into clinical. It feels considered, crafted to deliver what a pils should, no more, no less—and yet the execution elevates it.

It’s easily drinkable, almost deceptively so. There’s structure beneath the simplicity. Rothaus doesn’t push boundaries, it refines them. There’s personality in the choice of hops, a measured restraint that knows not to overdo it. The name might not thrill, but it suits the beer: understated and true to form.

Everything in this brew just feels well thought-out. From the lively label to the balanced sip, it’s a pils that doesn’t pretend to be anything else—and because of that, it ends up being one of the stronger examples of the style. Not flashy, but quietly excellent. It’s the kind of beer you admire more with each glass.

Sammy’s Rating: 72%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Even though we make billions and billions and billions and billions and billions and Billy Inzun Billy Inzun BILL YENSEN BILL YENSEN BILL YENSEN BILL YENSEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_aLESDql1U  from our highly professional and polished beer reviews, I still find it grounds me going off to work each day for an honest days toil.

Now the week just gone I have to say was an absolute brut…

Busy as a bee, hotter than a hard working bee and more (unplanned) exercise than a very hard working overworked bee.

So, to say it was a relief to get home and chalk the week off as just one of those is an understatement. And what better way to draw a line under a week than to crack open an ice cold bottle of German Pilsner in the sun…

Though the bottle is unappealing, there was just something about it that excited me. Tradition? Aforementioned, off the back of a mental week? Dunno. But I was ready and the time was NOW!

And, honestly, and I’m confident when I say, this wasn’t just because of the situation, this is a sublime lager!

What is instantly noticeable, is the hop content. Manual notes actually said that this could almost be a West Coast! Of course it’s nowhere near but for that to have even crossed my mind tells you how hoppy this number actually is.

Rothaus Pils also brings a spice and a wee mild twang and again going back to the manual tasting notes…

If all lagers tasted as good as this, then I would drink a lot more of them.

And that is high praise indeed from ya boi Jymi.

Seriously, search this one out.

Jymi’s Rating: 80%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 76%

MOB review next weekend: BIG FRANK by TWO FLINTS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

EXPRESSIONS: CITRA

BEER REVIEW: 410

BREWER: Siren Craft Brew, Berkshire, England

STYLE: DDH Citra IPA

ABV: 5.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 15th August 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Expressions’ Citra brew lands with an instant visual win—the yellow and orange packaging bursts with vibrancy, echoing the single hop’s character. In the glass, the beer stays true to its citrus-forward reputation: a deep golden haze that promises refreshment.
On the nose, grapefruit commands the scene, but lemon weaves in a harmonious counterpoint, keeping the aroma fresh and clean. The first sip reinforces expectations—grapefruit pushes forward with authority, dominating the taste profile. For lovers of pure Citra expression, this is exactly what you’d want. However, there’s a sense that the flavour could use a supporting act, something to carry it beyond that initial hit, stretching its complexity into deeper canyons.
Mouthfeel suffers slightly; it’s bold, intense, and demands commitment. But what it loses in easy drinking, it makes up for in sheer clarity of purpose. The IPA credentials hold strong, and the packaging delivers on theme, making this a beer you’d reach for again, especially if you admire a single hop being showcased at full throttle.
Expressions – Citra does exactly what it sets out to do—it celebrates Citra without compromise. Whether that’s perfection or demands an extra layer will depend entirely on your palate.

Sammy’s Rating: 80%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Of all the hops to use in a single hop brew, Citra is the one for me. Some say, actually most say, it’s the king of hops when it comes to craft beer and who am I (multi-awarding winning, decorated beer reviewer, churning out dross since the 80s) to disagree.

A lot, if not all other hops need a pal or even a few pals to shine, as on their own they lack something. Whereas Citra can stand alone and do myriad jobs by itself.

And here we have a Citra only offering from our mighty local brewers, Siren. Expressions is their single hop range and it just made sense to go with the Citra offering for reasons mentioned above…

This is a really good beer, but is missing something to elevate it to super stardom.

Let’s go through this step by step…

This brew starts off with a spectacular tropical nose, so inviting!

The taste in sip and mouthfeel whilst sipping is also exceptional! Again, it’s tropical goodness and one that defo keeps you a chuggin’, it’s that good.

But it’s at the next stage that Expressions: Citra dips a bit. See the middle is lacking a bit of body, flavour and personality. Shame.

Because the texture and flavour in the aftertaste, though subtle, is nothing short of world class. The aftertaste is one of soft grapefruit, orange and somehow, marshmallow, in taste and texture. And it goes on and on and on, but subtly and softly.

If there was more action in the middle then we would be onto an understated worldy here. But as it is, this is just a really good beer.

Jymi’s Rating: 81%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 80.5%

MOB review next weekend: ROTHAUS PILS by BADISCHE STRAATSBRAUEEI ROTHAUS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

TIGER

BEER REVIEW: 409

BREWER: Heineken, Lothian, Scotland

STYLE: Lager 

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 640ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 8th August 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Back in the day my parents in-law drank the king of the lower alcohol mass produced lagers. Hofmeister. Now if it had been Carling or Fosters then we could have had a serious problem as they were not my parents in-law then, just my girlfriend’s folks. But luckily, Hofmeister it was, and for this bracket of beer it was by far and away the best by a country mile. Absolute legend of a beer really, for what it was. Now, on occasion should there be a takeaway happening or an incredible home cooked satay chicken being rustled up in the kitchen, Hoffy would take a back seat for a few hours and would be replaced by their treat beer, Tiger. Fine by me! However, this was in the early 2000s, and today is today. Let’s pop the hood and see what lies beneath…

Unfortunately, total and utter mediocrity, bang average, and I’m actually not even sure it reaches those heights. There is an unpleasant malty tone to Tiger nowadays. It doesn’t sing / roar like it once did. It’s plain and average. Drinkable? Just. But this really isn’t a very good beer anymore I’m afraid.

Jymi’s Rating: 40%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Once heralded as a household name—at least back when glossy men’s mags held sway over taste—Tiger had its moment in the limelight before craft beer revolutionised expectations. In the days of lager dominance, it had a reputation for being a solid choice, but with so many new contenders prowling the shelves, does this once proud feline still have a place in the pride?
At first glance, its packaging is familiar and reassuring, like a contented moggy curled up in its usual sunny spot. The bold colours give it presence, but much like a tabby that blends into the furniture, the graphics don’t demand attention. It’s safe, recognisable, and not about to leap out at you—more of a house cat than a wild predator.
On the nose, there’s an immediate sense of nostalgia, an unmistakable lager scent that’s sweet, malty, and clean. It’s as predictable as the soft nuzzle of a cat returning to the same spot every evening. Comforting, familiar, and without any surprises.
The taste follows suit. A touch of saltiness upfront leads into a sweet finish, with woody notes lounging somewhere in between the two. There’s no sudden burst of excitement, no playful clawing at complexity—it simply pads along with an easy drinkability. It’s the kind of beer you can sip absentmindedly, much like stroking a cat as it dozes in your lap. There’s no real bite, no attempt to assert dominance, just a smooth, relaxed presence.
Ultimately, Tiger is a beer that knows its place. It doesn’t purr with excitement or sharpen its claws on innovation, but it won’t disappoint if you’re after something easy and familiar. It’s drinkable, reliable, and entirely unremarkable—much like the quiet, unassuming cat that curls up beside you, content but not demanding attention. If you want something safe, this is your domesticated companion—not prowling, not roaring, just there.

Sammy’s Rating: 46%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 43%

MOB review next weekend: EXPRESSIONS: CITRA by SIREN CRAFT BREW

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

IT’S THE HOPE THAT GETS YOU

BEER REVIEW: 408

BREWER: Pretty Decent Beer Co, East London, England

STYLE: Sour

ABV: 5.5%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 1st August 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

I do try to vary where I source the beers I offer up for testing. Whenever I’m away from home, I make a point of grabbing something I wouldn’t be able to find back in my usual haunts. And if I happen to pass a random bottle shop on more local travels, I’ll pop in, time permitting, of course.

But this one? This one came about the old-fashioned way, just me, staring into the fridges of my most local craft beer shop, wondering what to pick. After several hours of deliberation (seven walks up and down the fridges and a lengthy internal debate), I landed on It’s the Hope That Gets You. Why?

  • RISKY NAME
  • DOG LOOKING AT ME ALL CUTE LIKE
  • IT’S AN ALPHONSO MANGO SOUR, FFS

Let’s talk about that name, for both the beer and the brewery. When you go with something so cheeky and self-aware, you’re kind of putting it all on the line, aren’t you? It’s the Hope That Gets You is basically pre-apologising for being a letdown. Which perversely made me quite excited. I thought, surely… surely… they’re setting the bar low just to smash through it, right? Plus, it’s an Alphonso Mango Sour FFS!

Packaging wise, I’ve got to admit, the pup on the label did a number on me. “It’s okay, boy,” I said (silently, to the can), “we’ll go for a nice long walk and come back for a refreshing sour.”
What kind of sour, Jymi?
An Alphonso Mango Sour matey!
In that case—LET’S GO!

But I’m sorry to report, to all bonobos, canines, and sour lovers alike—that this brew didn’t quite deliver.

It’s too sweet. Not nearly tart enough to provide the balance a good sour needs. There’s a strong mango presence, which is lovely upfront, but it’s joined by a hit of vanilla that pushes the sweetness even further. The swallow tries to fire off a little sour burst to pull things together, but it just doesn’t land.

In the end, and perhaps fittingly given the name, this one didn’t cut the mustard. The promise was there, but the execution…

Well, it’s the hope that gets you, isn’t it?

Jymi’s Rating: 52%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

It’s the Hope That Gets You arrives with all the charm and visual punch of something you want to root for. The packaging wins you over instantly—budget-conscious but clever, with a green label and a dog that feels like it’s eyeing you for approval. You pour it into the glass and it looks like liquid sunshine, straight mango juice. The anticipation builds fast.

The nose hits first, and it’s glorious. Mango, bold and unapologetic, leaps out and sets the stakes high. You sip—and things quieten down. There’s a nice mouthfeel, some pleasant drinking moments, and even a whisper of sour trying to add complexity. But it never quite hits full volume. It’s like someone turned the treble up and forgot the bass: nice notes, but thin in places.

What follows is a beer that’s smooth and drinkable but slightly frustrating. It’s as if all the ingredients are shy, holding back when you want them to take centre stage. The mango in the taste plays second fiddle to its aromatic promise. The sour character? Barely present and not at all punchy. You’re sipping something that teases greatness, but lands closer to diluted mango juice.

The name flirts with cleverness but doesn’t quite seal the deal. “It’s the Hope That Gets You” sounds philosophical, almost mournful—but given the flavour profile, “It’s the Hop That Gets You” would’ve nailed the pun, added wit, and better aligned with the mango-forward theme.

Still, there’s undeniable charm. A beer full of potential that keeps you sipping just in case the magic kicks in. It doesn’t quite—but you admire it for trying. Hope, after all, is what keeps you coming back to the glass.

Sammy’s Rating: 58%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 55%

MOB review next weekend: TIGER by HEINEKEN

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

 

LUNAR HAZE

BEER REVIEW: 407

BREWER: Beavertown, North London, England

STYLE: Hazy IPA

ABV: 4.5%

VESSEL: 330ml tin

DATE OF POST: 25th July 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Beavertown Beavertown Beavertown…
Lunar Haze floats in a corporate glow,
What once was bold now feels too slow.
Hints of greatness dim and stray,
Drinkable, yes, but dull I say…
Heineken’s hand, led those skulls astray.

Jymi’s Rating: 35%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Drifting through the vast unknown, I came across a beacon—bright, bold, shimmering like a celestial marvel among the dull void of lesser brews. The can was a masterpiece, a visual spectacle that whispered promises of cosmic refreshment. But when I cracked it open, the dream of interstellar excellence dissolved into the cold vacuum of disappointment.

The nose was promising—tropical passion fruit swirling through the air like the sweet scent of an alien bloom. Not mind blowing, but respectable. So I took the plunge, expecting waves of flavour as deep as the galaxy itself. Instead, I got a weak gravitational pull—thirst quenching, sure, with a touch of bitterness, but the taste barely made an impact. A faint trace of passion fruit clung on, but it was barely enough to tether this beer to greatness.

The mouthfeel? Light, almost weightless, floating aimlessly like debris caught in orbit. No real substance, no depth, just an easy-drinking, one-dimensional brew that lacked the complexity to warrant a return trip.

So, is it a fridge filler? Definitely. A reliable, uninspired companion for moments when you don’t need a beer to impress. But for those seeking a truly stellar sip—this one’s just space junk.

Looks like a supernova, drinks like a dying star.

Sammy’s Rating: 49%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 42%

MOB review next weekend: IT’S THE HOPE THAT GETS YOU by PRETTY DECENT BEER CO

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

POWER MOVE

BEER REVIEW: 406

BREWER: Neon Raptor, Nottinghamshire, England

STYLE: New England IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 18th July 2025

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

If you’re looking for a brew that captures the too-much-is-never-enough ethos of the 80s, Power Move certainly makes an effort. The all-black can? Peak synthwave chic, like it just rolled off the set of “Tron” or got handed out at a Duran Duran afterparty. The branding? Cohesive, committed, and confident—a neon-lit tribute to an era that didn’t know the meaning of restraint.
And it starts strong. That citrus nose hits like the opening chords of a power ballad—grapefruit dominates, but with a lemon-lime riff that adds just enough complexity to keep things interesting. But then, much like a shoulder-padded blazer that looks the part but doesn’t quite fit, the taste doesn’t hold up quite as well. The grapefruit and lime show up, sure, but it’s thinner than a Miami Vice plotline—lacking the depth to really carry it through the finish.
The mouthfeel? Light—almost too light, like a dance floor packed with leg warmers but no real rhythm. It wants to be bold, but it settles into something a little artificial instead—think canned pop with the sugar dialled up.
That said, for a retro-themed brew, it lands squarely in the era’s lane. It’s not quite a leading beer, but a reliable backup dancer—there in the mix, bringing the energy, but not taking centre stage. You’ll enjoy it if you love the aesthetic, but if you’re looking for something with real staying power, you might need a bit more… well, oomph.

Sammy’s Rating: 61%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

It’s hard this beer reviewing lark ya know!

It’s very easy for each review to kinda sound the same regardless of the beer. You make a comment about the packaging, nose and general flavour etc etc and it’s done. This is why we try and mix it up a little bit I suppose. Me, sometimes it may be a wee tale (whether it be true or false (I’ll let you be the judge of that!)), or straight down the line say it as it is review. Sometimes it’s a short to the point number and sometimes, it may go on and on. But over the years I’ve sometimes gone for the actual notes in the notebook. When going down this route there have been occasions where I’ve been pushed for time and the pressure has been on to post. But there have also been times where for whatever reason it just seems to make sense to do so.

And this is one of those times…

Power Move manual notes

Looks great in the glass I have to say.

Lovely thick nose of passion fruit, peach and citrus.

Nose 100% transfers to the taste. Thick with sweet undertones of passionfruit and citrus spikes.

I want / need a touch more bitterness at the end.

Touch sweet all the way through for my liking.

Maybe just lacking a bit of balance but a pleasant enough beer.

 And that’s that!  Bye!

 

(you can tell I was pushed for time too can’t you?!)

Jymi’s Rating: 68%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 64.5%

MOB review next weekend: LUNAR HAZE by BEAVERTOWN

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

BIG DAY

BEER REVIEW: 405

BREWER: Jiddler’s Tipple, North London, England

STYLE: Pale Ale

ABV: 5.2%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 11th July 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

First up, what a fantastic name for a beer! Ultimately it doesn’t quite live up to it but hey, it’s still a great name!

Let’s start with the positives…

Big Day is a very drinkable brew with faint lime undertones, a medium body and a very pleasant mouthfeel. It’s the kind of beer that flies down. The mouthfeel is one of almost coconut milk and because of this I swear I was picking up VERY faint notes of coconut in the flavour too!

When it comes to the negatives, I’m not too sure about the tin art. It’s vintage shirt print, which is synonymous with this brewery, though quite cool just doesn’t quite do it for me.

The head on pour was also disappointing, making what is ultimately a good beer look particularly uninviting.

To conclude, Big Day is a pretty tasty brew but no more than that. And coming with its heavyweight name, one that points to grandeur and occasion, I was left kinda wanting.

Jymi’s Rating: 67%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Big Day Pale Ale sits outside Jiddler’s Tipple’s core range due to its ABV exceeding 3.8%. The packaging is neutral—not particularly eye-catching, but not off-putting either. 

While there’s a lot of information on the can, much of it is generic to the brewery rather than specific to this beer.

In terms of the drinking experience, it’s a pleasant, easy-going pale ale. The nose is solid, offering fresh and inviting aromas. The mouthfeel is good, making it a smooth and approachable drink. 

On the palate, there’s a well-balanced combination of lime and grassy notes, with a hint of sweet tea. While it doesn’t deliver much complexity, the flavours work well together, culminating in a refreshing, lightly bitter finish.

Overall, this is a decent beer—nothing exceptional, but enjoyable for those looking for a straightforward and easy-drinking pale ale.

Sammy’s Rating: 70%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 68.5%

MOB review next weekend: POWER MOVE by NEON RAPTOR

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

SUMMERLEAZE

BEER REVIEW: 404

BREWER: Firebrand Brewing, Cornwall, England

STYLE: Hazy Pale Ale

ABV: 4%

VESSEL: 440ml tin

DATE OF POST: 4th July 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Seeing as I have family that live in Launceston (the Cornish town where this brew is brewed) it was only ever a matter of time before I visited the Firebrand tap room. And a little earlier on this year, I did just that. With my sister and cousins we nattered the night away with fine food and pints of Summerleaze. A lovely time was had by all and the swig was greatly enjoyed. In my slight haze I had the clever brainwave of picking up a couple of tins for Sammy and I to review.

And here we are today…

Now unfortunately for me this one didn’t land too well. It was the aftertaste that really let it down. But, even though Summerleaze has not scored at all well for me I’m going to leave the negativity there. Because there are actually plenty of positives…

The peachy nose that leads the way is great, moving to a more citrus taste in mouth but still with elements of peach. The texture, though a touch thin, does make Summerleaze very drinkable and this is where this beer does well… situations like mine with my family at their taproom or as mentioned on the tin, a sunny beach gathering with friends.

It’s just for me, under test conditions, it struggled.

Jymi’s Rating: 42%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Step back in time to the golden glow of a Cornish sunset, where the sea breeze mingles with the scent of salt and ale. Summerleaze delivers a nostalgic nod to the past, wrapped in bold concentric waves of red, yellow, and orange, straight out of a 1970s surf shack.
On the nose? A tropical embrace of sweet pineapple, as inviting as a sun-drenched afternoon on the dunes. The first sip lands with pineapple upfront, a burst of smooth, juicy sweetness before giving way to a clean, bitter finish—a straight bat approach that doesn’t mess around. At 4% ABV, it doesn’t boast fireworks, but it packs a solid, no-nonsense flavour, perfect for a session after a day riding the Atlantic rollers.
Groundbreaking? Not quite. Strong offering? Without a doubt.
Summerleaze isn’t here to reinvent the wheel—it’s here to remind you why a well-balanced pint can still hold its own. A proper pint for a proper Cornish moment.

Sammy’s Rating: 77%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 59.5%

MOB review next weekend: BIG DAY by JIDDLER’S TIPPLE

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

SINGHA

BEER REVIEW: 403

BREWER: Singha / Shepherd Neame, Kent, England

STYLE: Lager

ABV: 4.8%

VESSEL: 630ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 27th June 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

It was 7607 days ago that Sammy and I reviewed Singha for the first time. Though Muse on Booze didn’t get going until 2017 we did have a brief stint of reviewing beers back in 2004 when we lived together in West London. Back then, we didn’t really have a clue what we were going on about (cue, nothing has changed much then) due to our diet mainly consisting of mass produced lager and the odd Guinness. Luckily, there was a pretty cool bottle shop near us that imported a few brews from around the globe so we were able to have a fair crack at some brews that were not readily available.

Singha was imported back then. Though it wasn’t that hard to get hold of, it most certainly was not easy either. So this was a bit of a treat for us and we loved it! I gave it a rather healthy 50/60 with accompanying notes of…

Very very nice. Big fan of the taste and the packaging is great. Not too dry for an eastern beer either.

Insightful stuff hey?!

Anyway, fast forward to today and here we are again with a Singha in front of us ready to be inhaled.

Has anything changed?  Well, yes.

The packaging, though quite similar to 21 years ago, has been tweaked. I still like it, but is nowhere near as good as it was.

Where this brew is brewed has also changed. The offering we had in 2004 had been crafted in the Boon Rawd Brewery in Bangkok. The beer we have today (though overseen by Singha operatives) is actually brewed in Kent.

Unsurprisingly the ABV has dropped too. Coming down from a heady 6% to an everyday duty avoiding 4.8%.

And it’s also available in Tesco.

Has the beer suffered because of all of this? Of course it has.

But you know what… it’s still actually really good! There is a little sweetness, a little dryness and a wee bit of spice too. It’s refreshing, highly drinkable and for a macro lager has a fantastic nose all things considered!

And I for one am really glad we have tried this again, as you can pick up 3 x 630ml bottles on offer down at my local shop.

So, this will quickly become a summer fridge filler let me tell you!

Though this is not a patch on what it once was, Singha is still a decent and distinctive lager.

Jymi’s Rating: 68%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

This one steps onto the stage with a confident stride—classic in its look, reliable in its presence. The packaging? It’s got that old-school charm, a tip of the hat to tradition. Nothing flashy, but it knows its lane and sticks to it like a seasoned performer.

On the nose, well, it’s singing the standard lager tune—no unexpected high notes, no groundbreaking riffs. But hey, sometimes consistency is what keeps the crowd engaged.

Taste-wise, Singha isn’t looking to win any international vocal competitions, but it delivers a solid set. Crisp, refreshing, and finishing with a sharp little flourish—almost a sherbet-like zing that perks up the senses. It’s the kind of performer that doesn’t steal the spotlight but keeps the energy steady in a crowded lineup.

Now, mouthfeel—this is where Singha shines. Five stars for easy-drinking swagger. It’s the dependable backup vocalist in a mass-produced beer ensemble, harmonising beautifully without taking over the show.

Would I book Singha for another gig? Absolutely. It’s not a headliner, but it’s a reliable act that knows how to play to the masses. A good offering, steady and solid, delivering the kind of easygoing experience you expect from a well-rehearsed lager.

Sammy’s Rating: 68%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 68%

MOB review next weekend: SUMMERLEAZE by FIREBRAND BREWING

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025

DELIRIUM ARGENTUM

BEER REVIEW: 402

BREWER: Brouwerij Huyghe, East Flanders, Belgium

STYLE: Amber IPA

ABV: 7%

VESSEL: 330ml ceramic bottle

DATE OF POST: 20th June 2025

 

JYMI SAY’S…

With a Pink Elephant driving your brand it’s hard to go wrong. But somehow Huyghe have… this time at least. The Silver just does not work on the ceramic bottle here I’m afraid. I mean it doesn’t look terrible terrible but when you’ve got a Pink Elephant in your corner anything less than the best is a fail IMO.

Point two (f sake, I’m going negative again)… Argentum is an Amber IPA. This for me is a worry. Huyghe certainly know their way around a Belgian ale but to veer into the IPA world scares me. That said, I have tried Belgian style ales from British brewers, and they have been fine if not good even.

Quick positive note before we get into the inside of the bottle. Argentum means Silver. I suppose that helps the label out a little but presumably has nothing to do with the beer? Negative thoughts are looming again… right, let’s just crack her open FFS.

Ok, I dunno if this brew has just caught me on a bad day but for me our offering this weekend is neither here nor there… and why is it so dark?? I know it’s an amber IPA but flippin eck, it looks like a Best Bitter! Argentum starts off very Belgian. Predicable? Maybe. But not when the beer is an IPA. Further into the drinking the hoppy bitterness you expect from an IPA does rear it’s head however. I say rear, it’s more like a gentle glance around a fence post. Add in a foamy mouthfeel (not fizzy, foamy) due to an over carbonation and I conclude that this brew just misses the mark I’m afraid.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad but feels a little confused.

On another day I could have given Delirium Argentum the benefit of doubt for delivering a Belgium twang with an IPA tickle, but on this (as I said, possibly a bad day) I’m not.

Stick to what you know best Huyghe.

Jymi’s Rating: 51%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Despite the glittering fanfare of a metallic label and the perennial charm of that bemused pink elephant, Delirium Argentum strolls into the room with the energy of someone who’s just remembered they left the oven on. Yes, it looks the part—eye-catching, confidently branded—but beyond the façade lies a brew that hums quietly rather than sings.
On the nose, there’s a bucolic summer meadow vibe: wildflowers, a dab of wheat, and a whisper of pine—as though the hops RSVP’d to the party but never actually showed up. The flavour opens with sweet, floral intentions, but they quickly get weighed down by a syrupy mouthfeel that overstays its welcome like clingy sunshine on a stuffy July train carriage. There’s some IPA bitterness lingering in the shadows, sure, but not enough to redeem it from its stylistic identity crisis.
It’s not bad. It’s just… fine. Like listening to someone else describe a great night out. The pink elephant might be dancing, but you’ll be nursing this one politely until the next act arrives.

Sammy’s Rating: 63%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 57%

MOB review next weekend: SINGHA by SINGHA CORP with SHEPHERD NEAME

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2025