Foster's Lager

First Brewed: 1887
Brewery Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
ABV: 5.0%

History & Availability: Despite the hilariously over-the-top Australian stereotype ads that Foster's puts out, the beer isn't actually all that popular in Australia itself. Instead the beer makes most of its profit, like Beck's, on exports, particularly to the UK. It's brewed under license in 8 different countries and sold basically everywhere alcohol is legal, so you should have no trouble finding it at any major beer vendor.

Appearance: Ever so slightly darker than the other recent beers. More of an amber color, appropriately. Carbonation is really low and as you'd expect there's basically no head within a minute of pouring. Be aware that the oil can is actually 750 mL, not 24oz as I was expecting - I overflowed my mug. 'oops'

Smell: Not too offensive at all. It's significantly less metallic than Bud, and has that same masked apple scent as Labatt. I'm even smelling a little bit of potato in here. And to be honest, any smell that isn't an element on the periodic table is fine by me at this end of the spectrum.

Taste: Almost nothing to it. It's not quite as devoid of flavor as Labatt, but nearly there. What little taste exists isn't particularly pleasant, but it's not horribly unpleasant either. Nevertheless I have to wrinkle my nose a little while I drink it. You can taste the alcohol in this beer, unfortunately.

Mouthfeel: Bubbly. The finish is pretty dry despite the only average alcohol levels since there's nothing else in the beer to tone it down. Other than that, it's pretty average for the style - very watery and light.

Drinkability: As I mentioned above, the fact that you can taste the alcohol right on the tip of your tongue is a little discouraging. But again, nevertheless, this is a beer that I'm able to finish without too much disgust setting in. I wouldn't have more than one 750 mL can, but one is... acceptable.

Overall verdict: C-. Easy to drop this one right between Budweiser and Labatt.