Name: Zhu Jiang Beer’s Pearl River
Origin: China
Style: Amber Ale (5.0%)
Appearance: A golden, crystal clear lager that pours with a minimal head which has literally no retention whatsoever.
Taste: The aroma is slightly sweet and grassy, but overall is very mild. There are some sweet notes in the flavours of honey and sugar, but the majority of the flavour comes from its malts which give it a grain like taste. It has an some light bitter citrus-like flavours, but mostly finishes clean. The aftertaste is sweet and sugary hinting at a high use of adjuncts such as dextrose to give body to the beer.
Mouth Feel: A sharp, though slightly refreshing beer. Light bodied.
Final Thoughts (1.5 out of 5): Zhu Jiang Beer’s Pearl River is an obviously cheaply brewed beer. The use of cheap adjuncts (possibly rice and dextrose sugar) are very apparent in the overall flavours of the beer.
#1 by Neil K. on April 1, 2011 - 11:53 am
My thoughts are just about the same. Zhujiang Beer or Pearl River Beer is a light lager, refreshing with the noted mild sweetness you found. It’s a good session beer and probably would pair well with spicy Chinese dishes. I would drink this camping or on a hot day.I sampled the 330ml bottle in Calgary, Alberta. A little research revealed it’s a southern Chinese beer from the city of Guangzhou and apparently is one of the top 5 beers. (Note: Inbev AB has a minority stake in the brewery)
#2 by bradinator on April 1, 2011 - 3:28 pm
I could see it going well with Chinese, but honestly I don’t think I would buy it again even as a sessionable. There are cheaper alternatives that in my opinion are much nicer to drink. Mostly personal preference though, as I tend towards lagers that are less sweet and more grassy/hoppy.