If you’ve read my previous post then you know that Anheuser-Busch InBev launched Budweiser Magnum in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad yesterday. It is available in Mumbai at Rs. 150 for 650ml and Rs. 80 for a pint of 330ml.
After trying and failing to acquire a bottle at three local liquor stores (in Andheri West – Mumbai), I finally managed to get my hands on one. Here’s what I thought of it:
I should admit at the onset that I’m not the biggest lover of Indian strong beers; I find most of them undrinkable. Having said that Budweiser Magnum is surprisingly smooth, crisp and easy to drink.
- Appearance is clear and a golden yellow
- Thick white head, good retention and good lacing
- Medium carbonation
- Rice adjuncts and well-balanced hops cuts the bitterness that I find in most Indian strong beers.
- ABV – below 8% is what it says behind the bottle. Kapil Agarwal, CEO AB InBev India was quoted saying, “Inspired by, and created for trendsetters and ambitious aspirers, MAGNUM is a super premium brew at 6.5% ABV.”
And though this might not be very relevant to most, my final test when it comes to beer is this – will I get through more than three sips, if the beer isn’t chilled? Magnum manages to pass.
So next time I pick a beer to drink, will Magnum be it? Probably not, but amongst the Indian strong beers (above 5% ABV) I’ve tasted so far, I would most likely choose Budweiser Magnum despite it being more expensive (Carlsberg’s Elephant is Rs. 135 for 650ml).
What do you think?