Last night it was Labatt’s Blue and Darkhorse (another Michigan brewer) Belgian Amber Ale.

I’m assuming everyone knows what Labatt Blue tastes like so I won’t review it, but I will say that it proves that commercial breweries CAN make a decent beer. You don’t have to shell out extra money for the more exotic Grolsch, Pilsner Urquel or Sapporo or Asahi to find a good light tasting and refreshing beer (although those are worth at least trying). Labatt’s, Sam Adams, and Rolling Rock are good alternatives to flavorless, flat and watery Bud or Miller.

The Darkhorse on the other hand was exactly that; it came out flat, with almost no head to speak of. It was an interesting amber color but as I smelled it (or tried to) it was curiously absent of odor. Non-coincidentally, it was also absent of flavor. I tried desperately to taste this flavorless, watered down beer. Perhaps it was too cold? I let it warm to almost room temperature, nothing. What exactly was ‘Belgian’ about this beer?

Do Belgians not like beer flavoring?

Very disappointing, I eventually managed to detect slight sweetness and a tiny alcohol presence. This beer has 5% ABV? Terrible, Budweiser is better…