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Citizen of the Netherlands.
Rated 8.33 by 78 Beer Drinkers.
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Dark Heiney
By Belly Buddy David Lauterbach
How many people knew that Heineken even had a dark beer, raise their hands. OK, that's what I thought.
While strolling down my local beermongers isle the other day, I noticed the cases of Heineken Special Dark hidden just under the regular Heineken stack. This was one of those amazing moments you have when you think "Wow! A new beer I’d like to drink."
A sip of the Special Dark caught me by surprise at first. That is to say, I didn't care for it. But I have to say, it grew on me- and by my second beer I enjoyed it. They always say don't judge a beer by it's cover... I finally know why.
Heineken Special Dark would make a great Heineken Dark, but I found nothing special about it. Just because those jokers in Holland call it special doesn't mean we have to think it's special. Heineken, in general, is one of my imported "fall-back" beers... I order it when I'm not sure what I want yet and someone is pointing at me waiting for an order. Who am I to interrupt someone else's binge?
Let me be clear... this does not taste like a Heineken with more bite. It has a thicker, maltier taste with a hint of caramel. It actually has a flavor not unlike some amber brews such as Abita Amber, but definitely without the bitterness. It is darker in the glass, and has a richer head than it's lighter brethren.
The Heineken website has a rather extensive timeline of what the brewery has been doing oh, these 400 years... with what seems like a day by day update. Here are the embellished highlights for those of you who have better things to do:
1592 – 1873: The birth of the Heineken company in the city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
1874: 22-year old businessman Gerard Adriaan Heineken purchases the brewery, now almost three hundred years old, for NLG 48,000 ($8 US).
1900: Sales of beer brewed under the supervision of Heineken: 200,000 hectoliters.
1914: Doctor "Doc" Henry Pierre Heineken, son of Gerard Adriaan Heineken, obtains a seat on the Executive Board. On April 1, 1917, he is appointed Chairman. The boys in the boardroom get nicely toasted.
1933: First Heineken beer consignment is exported to the United States after the lifting of prohibition.
1939: The great success of the pavilion "Heineken on the Zuyderzee" at the World Expo in New York has strongly contributed to the U.S. acceptance. Dr. Heineken prescribes not less than 10,000 hectoliters of Heineken beer to the fair-goers.
1960: Record sales over one million cartons Heineken beer in the U.S.A. Sales of beer brewed under the supervision of Heineken: 3,800,000 hectoliters. Go U.S.A!
1971: On May 3 Dr. H.P. Heineken dies. The boys in the boardroom get nicely toasted in his honor.
1990 - 1998: Heineken the second largest brewer in the world, with sales in over 170 countries, the most international beer brand in the world.
1996: Sales of beer brewed under the supervision of Heineken: 70.7 million hectoliters. Crap, we drink a lot.
Special Dark is a tough call for me. I can't HIGHLY recommend this beer based solely on the history of Heineken- if you don't try it, you won't be missing out on that much. But if you enjoy amber beers, then it's a good bet you'll enjoy this brew. And look how cool it is under a microscope!
I will happily finish my case without hesitation or incident. The boys in our boardroom get nicely toasted.
Rated 8.33 by 78 Beer Drinkers.
Add Your Own Comment There are 34 Drinker Comments - Last 10 Displayed
11Burt» I have been drinking Heineken Dark for at least 12 years. Its the best beer in the world. Try San Miguel Dark for a very similiar taste, and its cheaper here in Ca. If I could buy Heineken Dark in kegs, I would have one here all the time. 11The Saint» Love it. Having one right now! 7Scrappy» Smooth taste, deep flavor, nice carbonation. I like this beer much better than regular ol' Heinie. 11bigyump» this beer should come in a mini-keg like the other 2 heinekens. this is definitely my first choice in beer. I found about it because it was on sale at my local market for 5.99 for a six pack. this beer should come by the case and keg. 11Daddy's Girl» Where can I buy it? I'm from New York. 11matthew» great beer what should i know im only 13 0Rik» The funny thing is, that this beer is only for the us market. So we just have read your opinions to get an idea of how it tastes. And that is pretty frustrating for a dutchman like me ;-) Have fun drinking! 10maddbuys» Wow i am a guniness drinker went to the bar they were out of guiness..Bartender offered the dark heniken i was shocked never saw it before but have to say the went down good..Been drinking it ever since. Guniness***** Heniken Dark**** 8Old "beer" Fart» I have been drinking beer for over 25 years. It astounds me when people still say they've never heard of it. I like it - its not really dark enough for me - but is a mellow - well brewed - option. If you can find it. 11mama» whoa mama, this is the best dark smooth heady beer ever. What a great after taste!
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How many people knew that Heineken even had a dark beer, raise their hands. OK, that's what I thought.
