Thing is we've all got different tastes and we like what we like. I wasn't fussed on Mahou but enjoy san miguel. The fact that it's got an ABV of 5 percent rather than 4 point something is to its credit.
I remember drinking Victoria 20 years ago near Malaga, and only found a few bars that served it, it was exceptional back then, and to my delight i found in Lidl and it never disappointed, excellent Spanish larger ….also for sale in B&M and only £1.85 a bottle, grab them while you can
I could be blindfolded, with a nose peg on and I’d still pick out the shite UK brewed stuff. There used to be so many good continental beers available but now they are UK brewed they’ve been ruined.
Same here when my wife and I went there, had an Estrella in the big gardens from a little cafe that was less than €2 and it was amazing. Same as the San Miguel I tried from a hut on the river, completely different to the crap we get over here.
Curious! Cruzcampo is deemed as one of the worst beers here in Spain. It's the butt of many jokes. The most popular ones in Spain are Alhambra, Mahou and Estrella Galicia
@@sirPUNKsirto be fair I mostly drank the especial which I thought was great for the price. The standard stuff was still not bad but much better than what’s brewed over here
@@sirPUNKsir I find the authentic Cruzcampo very metallic as well, so it probably wasn't just the can in the video, but the recipe regardless. I like an Alhambra Reserva.
When I lived near Manchester I brewed my own bitter and had it in a keg by the fireplace. It was popular with my mates and I loved it. We moved to Lincolnshire, a hard water area and I couldn't brew a decent beer to save my life. It was only Boots home brewing kits I used, but I ended up pouring them over the lawn.
Water in lincolsnhire is terrible. Not a brewer myself but i would imagine it could be a nightmare when brewing largers etc. I think some of Batemans stuff is good. XB , XXXB etc
Picked up a bottle of Mahou from Home Bargains on the weekend. 660ml for £1.79 and 6x 330ml cans pack of Victoria Malaga for £6! Both absolute bargains!! Along with some Efes Draft, Star, Love Lane ales and lagers, Peroni (red)… Home Bargains are absolutely killing it for proper imported beers and always rotating the selections too.
@@marl-marl-marl don't know what they sell in the UK but in Spain Mahou Cinco Estrellas (red) is 5.5, and Mahou Classica (green) is, as disko said, 4.8. always has been.
I am a barman in the north of Scotland and I really like learning about some of the beers you review. Helps me out at work since I drink Ales/Heavy, I cant stand lager. Keep up the good work!
Hi mate , just a heads up , went to my local B&M store in Grimsby today (18/06/2024) and they are selling the Victoria Malaga for £1:50 a bottle , just had to try a couple of bottles after your great review . Hopefully it will be the same price at your local B&M as well , I'm going back early in the morning to grab a few more at that price , cheers , Gaz
You’ve probably already tried it but just in case you haven’t get hold of a bottle of Estrella Damm Inedit. It’s a Spanish wheat beer and is absolutely delicious, probably my fave beer. It’s sold in some supermarkets.
Wonderful absolutely wonderful. Off to Spain on Sunday to drink REAL Spanish lager. Great video Si. Great to see UK Mahou and Victoria Malaga are still brewed in Spain. 🇪🇸
As a Brit living in Spain - I definitely enjoyed this video. I've gone through this debate numerous times with locals and internationals, so here are my takeaways: 1) The Spanish brewed beers are still being brewed for the UK market, local versions will be closer to 6% ABV, people here prefer to drink higher ABV, but less volume, 2) Madri is a UK only beer, 3) The general consensus is that Estrella Galacia is the best macro beer after taking away regional bias, but Alhambra is another one that comes up a lot, 4) Either way, your ranking is still pretty accurate, Cruzcampo is often the butt of a joke here. If you ever want to repeat the exercise with real Spanish beer, reach out and I can bring send you some cans over next time I'm back in the UK.
Another great review, thank you. I saw this after I'd just tried Mahou for the first time. I got it from Ocado and gave it 5 stars, so we're in agreement! I'll look out for the Malaga.
I agree with you absolutely and one dreads finding the continental lager you really like, e.g. Moretti, suddenly its brewed in the UK. Also, the bottle may be Spanish or Italian, but where does the draught version come from. Peroni for example. How do they get these beers past the Advertising Standards Authority. Especially Madri! I must admit to be surprised that your Damn was brewed in Spain. The bottles I have seen over here for the last few years are brewed in the UK somewhere. I will look at a bottle label asap.
I grew up just round from the brewry in fountainbridge Edinburgh great memories and the smell from the brewry always takes me back I can smell it of some beers I drink today very distinct, btw Tennents Super "Breakfast of Kings" "Central heating for Tramps"
Cruzcampo is brewed in Tadcaster North Yorkshire at the John Smith Brewery. Madri is also brewed in Tadcaster by Coors (or at least the keg version is).
Simon that was entertaining. I sat through the video and got educated. I will drink anything if I enjoy it. I have 20 bottles of McEwan's Champion in my shed thought you would like to know that. I shall definitely be looking for those two Spanish brewed lagers this week end. I really didn't drink beers till I found your channel about five years ago . Well I thank you for introducing me to a fantastic world of different beers . If we ever meet one day the beer is on me. Thanks for your honest reviews you have never let me down . I even enjoy the Tramp juice I love the terminology. Keep up the good work. Colin.
What a great video. I am Spanish from Malaga, and I am happy you rated Victoria. It is available in every bar where I live as it is our local lager. I am also a massive fan of Mahou, but the green Mahou, not the red as you had here. It is a shame the green one is not available in the UK. I am also glad you rated Cruz Campo so poorly, it is not a good lager here either.
Glad you mentioned Tropical. Its big in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura......took our lad to Lanzarote last July. We found a lovely bar with stunning views where it was €1.50 a pint. Enjoyed sinking 4 or 5 in the afternoon
I love Victoria Málaga. I first tried it in Lanzarote and was immediately impressed by it. I've bought it ever since. I get it in Lidl or home bargains in the UK and it's readily available in Spain, Mallorca etc in all the shops. Not seen it much on tap in Spain though.
Genius review...living in spain 11 years, my scores too and ranking to the letter. Mahou classic in green can would be up there, less heady than mahou premium next day. Alhambra Especial from grenada a top lager too. Cruz campo is like soda unless you get CC especial. Estrella dam nice bitter tuesday night quaff. malaga victoria hit and miss
A lot of mahou in the UK if you check your can/bottle it says ‘Brewed in Spain and canned in the UK’ also think the percentage has dropped from 5.1 to 4.8 so like estrella damm are we getting a specific watered down version of the Spanish for the UK market
@@craigb2644Mahou is brewed in Spain. Mahou San Miguel Group (yes they brew both) are not willing to make the same mistake with Mahou as they did with San Miguel and allow it to be contract brewed on a long term agreement. Also the ABV drop is due to them no longer wanting to brew a proprietary UK spec brew at 5.1% anymore. They are using their own Spanish “Clasica” recipe (green label in Spain) for the UK market. This is because they are constantly brewing it, have a constant supply and it’s in the same ballpark ABV as other UK Spanish lagers. It also saves them a lot of money moving forward having to stop and convert brewing to a UK proprietary brew when needed and it’s also a more authentic Spanish lager being the same that’s available in Spain. The canning, bottling and kegging (for PD) is all for tax purposes. If you are shipping in beer ready for retails sale there is more tax and duty than having it tankered in as a wholesale product and then having can,bottle and keg it up.
No you are not !! The 4.8% is a more authentic Spanish lager than the UK proprietary 5.1% brew !! The red mahou in Spain = 5.5% and we have never had that here in the UK. We got a UK proprietary brew at 5.1% to compete with Madri. Now Madri has dropped ABV Mahou San Miguel group has decided to use their traditional Spanish “CLASICA” recipe (green label in Spain) which has always been 4.8% and is Mahou’s original Spanish lager. The 4.8% recipe is more authentic than the 5.1% UK proprietary brew and it allows Mahou San Miguel to have a constant supply for the UK rather than having to stop and convert brewing to a UK proprietary spec beer, thus saving time and money. Mahou is brewed in Spain as they don’t want their title beer in the UK to suffer the same contract brewing fate as San Miguel. Hope this explains what is actually happening rather than just assuming an ABV drop is due to negative reasons.
Good vid - Are they 'authentic' though when the ABV is less here? Estrella Damm 5% over there Galicia 5.4 San Mig 5.4 If you want authentic Spanish you only really get it in Spain. Personally find there's nothing wrong with the San Miguel over here - at least while its 5%.....until they wreck that too!
2 places near me have Victoria on draught. It sells very well. Speaking to colleagues in Madrid, they say that Victoria reminds them of going on holiday.
I'm leaving Spain as u drop this video Simon and Malaga Vic is my go-to spanish beer in the UK and here in Spain is no different,solid beer and 6 cans for 3.99 euro! Had a few mahou un filtered that was quality! Having arrived at Gibraltar for port I'm drinking an old spec hen ands it's nice to have something not so carbonated! Time and place for everything haha
I loved Tropical Cerveza when I was in the Canaries. You can't get it in the UK which is a huge shame but I have seen some tropical for sale online for an expensive price like £30 for a pack of 6. I guess thats holiday makers bringing them back to sell.
For me Tropical is too light and not much going on with taste. I'd rather drink it's rival Dorada Rojo which has more flavour but is slightly on the sweet side though.
I drink Estrella Damm here in New Zealand great beer, and its gluten free, barley and rice. We were over in the Uk last year, I could not find the Damm so drank Madri even the pubs sold Madri, I do like the Spanish beers
Good to see Estrella commit to providing us with Spanish beer with the advertising and the launch of Victoria Malaga over here. I doubt it will end up brewed under licence. At least we have a few options now unlike a few years ago where basically San Miguel was the only fake Spanish beer available. Prices on the Estrella is good as well considering its imported. My local has Victoria Malaga on draft for £5.40 a pint.
You should try Turia from round here in Valencia. I think you can get at Aldi or Lidl. Agree about Victoria Málaga which on tap on my local and also Mahou, particularly the green Mahou.
My favourite there is also Victoria Malaga. In Buxton where I live, there's a very good Spanish bar/restaurant, which has just about all those in draught and is the first place I tried the Victoria and the Galicia. Another one regularly in there is Rosa Blanca which you can also get Morrisons. Originally in bottles, but now also available in a can multi pack. It tastes a tad smoother on draught and is possibly close to the Galicia, taste wise similarly more akin to the bitterness of a Czech Pilsner. Tbh I've never noticed if it's a Spanish import or UK brewer. I suspect import, but I'll check today and see if I can pick up a couple of bottles of Mahou, which I've never tried. Great video by the way, I'll look out for more.
Breweries pre - treat hard water with Epsom Salts to soften the water, that’s what you are smelling . They don’t have to declare it as an ingredient because it’s not actually added to the beer.
I spend a lot of time in Spain and it takes time to adjust to the UK crap larger, Estrella Damm is also excellent, the double ll in Estrella is pronounced Y in Spanish so it's Esrtaya to us
Great review! I lived in Spain for four years (Andalucia) and can concur that the native brewed versions are a different animal. Amstel was ubiquitous as was San Miguel - both reasonable enough to wash down the tapas, but where available I would choose the Cruzcampo and Mahou on draft as daily drinkers and was never disappointed. Another local beer I really enjoyed was Alhambra - brewed in Granada. Not sure if that is available as an import but would be worth a try if that's the case. This was the beer of choice to take home in cans from Mercadona. On Madri, I first tried it a couple of years ago in my local and it was okay but nothing special, and wasn't impressed enough to get the store version. Finally, Spanish Cruz is the antithesis of the Burton variation. I think my friends in Cordoba would die inside if they knew this imposter was being sold as a Spanish beer.
Drinking mahou on the perfect draft at the moment. Got to say Im Really enjoying it. The Belgium stella was always my favourite but now it's uk brewed it's not even close.. another great review cheers Simon.🍻
Used to drink Mahou (Red Label, not Green) on draft in Spain (lived there 15 years). Tried virtually all of the others but none had the "hoppy" taste of Mahou Red.
Love your videos. And I'm a premier boozer. I didn't like malaga. Thought it was too dark in colour and that seems to effect my hangover and I thought mahou was to strong. Loved damm and galacia though. Great review mate. I've got a mate who loves san Miguel. It's bloody awful
I think San Miguel is actually brewed at Carlsberg in Northampton rather than their Marston's plant in Burton, still the same issue mind. Madri is absolutely made in Coors brewery and is apparently 80s and 90s carling recipe slightly altered according to someone I know who works there.
For me I would Give A Estrella Damm a 3rd place Because it's still smooth for Estrella galicia for me it's malty & coffee taste for me but for Victoria Malaga is lovely I've try it for the first time it is Nice xxx
Will all taste similar… l am fortunate to live in Bangkok where there’s three lager type beers Singa, Leo and Chang all very acceptable and no more than £1.50 a pint if I want a sexy craft beer it’s even more expensive than Uk with import laws but some Thai breweries are really upping their game lately… Great content 🙏👊
On Holiday last year my wife and i stopped by a bar the locals were drinking tropical came in a green bottle ice cold went down lovely the fish lunch we had
Estrella Damm will be brewed under licence here soon. Wells and Young's will be brewing it soon in Bedfordshire. The biggest Estrella brewery outside of Spain
I don't know if I am your ony Spanish subscriber but I know this is going to be interesting anyway. Personally, I like Alhambra. I think you should review it if you have the chance!
Ive just sat & watched you , you are fabulous, i spent my birthday drinking Draught "Victoria Malaga" beer in my locla pub, i totaly agree with you its crisp refershing & very very drinkable Ive seen the "Mahou" in our local co op which i will now try. Thanks for a great Video cant wait for your next one.
My favourite beer is estrella Galicia. I don't know if it's the same one imported to the UK, but here it has 5.5% ABV. If you have the opportunity, try Estrella Levante, it will definitely impress you, for better or worse.
Wow, I don't understand. Just like Mahou, here we have classic Mahou with 4.8 abv and “5 estrellas” Mahou, which is the one in the video that has 5.5 abv here in Spain
Re. the Mahou. Currently I'm in Spain and I have noticed they sell a 4.8% Mahou Clásica in a green can. I think this is what they are selling in the UK but branding it as normal Mahou in the red packaging. The proper Mahou is 5.5% and tastes way better (well, maybe not way better, but I feel like we're not getting the proper stuff).
Cruzcampo in the U.K. is nothing like Cruzcampo in Spain. Madri is as Spanish as a polar bear. Alhambra and Rosa Blanca from Majorca nicest beers I’ve had in Spain, though they brew Rosa Blanca in the U.K. now it’s about 3% to avoid duty.
The Estrella beers are 5.4% in Spain, so regardless of the fact they are Spanish-brewed, they still water them down for the UK market. Only one that's the same in Spain is Victoria Malaga which is the best in the line-up in my opinion. The real San Miguel is also 5.4% in Spain, not sure about Mahou as I didn't see any.
The water is so hard where I live it’s asked me for a fight twice
😂😂
@@joepowell981🤣
Mahou in a frozen glass with a bit of tapas , one of life's absolute pleasures
Yeh mahou probably the best. I used to live in granada so i have a soft spot for alhambra especial too
Mahou definitely the best for me in Spain
Yep it’s delicious
Thing is we've all got different tastes and we like what we like. I wasn't fussed on Mahou but enjoy san miguel. The fact that it's got an ABV of 5 percent rather than 4 point something is to its credit.
I remember drinking Victoria 20 years ago near Malaga, and only found a few bars that served it, it was exceptional back then, and to my delight i found in Lidl and it never disappointed, excellent Spanish larger ….also for sale in B&M and only £1.85 a bottle, grab them while you can
It's big again in Andalucia
I stumbled on it in Lidl and enjoyed every drop, cracking beer and I've never been to Spain
Always think these type of comparison should be done blindfold to completely eradicate any preconceptions
@JustifiedAncient Spot on. MOT
Why don't you set up your own RUclips channel and do exactly that. It would be easy, right?
That would be so much better
I could be blindfolded, with a nose peg on and I’d still pick out the shite UK brewed stuff. There used to be so many good continental beers available but now they are UK brewed they’ve been ruined.
@@SB-wq2gw well done for recognizing reality
Was in Seville last week and the cruzcampo was nothing like the piss over here. The especial was a cracking pint too
Same here when my wife and I went there, had an Estrella in the big gardens from a little cafe that was less than €2 and it was amazing. Same as the San Miguel I tried from a hut on the river, completely different to the crap we get over here.
Curious! Cruzcampo is deemed as one of the worst beers here in Spain. It's the butt of many jokes.
The most popular ones in Spain are Alhambra, Mahou and Estrella Galicia
@@sirPUNKsirto be fair I mostly drank the especial which I thought was great for the price. The standard stuff was still not bad but much better than what’s brewed over here
@@sirPUNKsir I wasn't that fussed on the Cruzcampo.
@@sirPUNKsir I find the authentic Cruzcampo very metallic as well, so it probably wasn't just the can in the video, but the recipe regardless.
I like an Alhambra Reserva.
Your lager comparisons are my fav videos thanks
And mine 👍
There are better things in life.
Whatever you drink it tastes better on a Spanish beach in the sunshine….
When I lived near Manchester I brewed my own bitter and had it in a keg by the fireplace. It was popular with my mates and I loved it. We moved to Lincolnshire, a hard water area and I couldn't brew a decent beer to save my life. It was only Boots home brewing kits I used, but I ended up pouring them over the lawn.
Can't you buy Buxton bottled water or similar, and brew from that?
Yeah brewing with tap water is not recommended
Water in lincolsnhire is terrible. Not a brewer myself but i would imagine it could be a nightmare when brewing largers etc.
I think some of Batemans stuff is good. XB , XXXB etc
Move to Sheffield. A soft water area.
@@matthewrussell8590 I agree, those particular Batemans brews are decent especially the XXXB
Picked up a bottle of Mahou from Home Bargains on the weekend. 660ml for £1.79 and 6x 330ml cans pack of Victoria Malaga for £6! Both absolute bargains!! Along with some Efes Draft, Star, Love Lane ales and lagers, Peroni (red)… Home Bargains are absolutely killing it for proper imported beers and always rotating the selections too.
Also should point out the abv on the Mahou I bought was 5.1. Odd that the 500ml bottle in the vid was 4.8 ??
4.8% is called mahou classica in Spain and is branded green.
@@tweez7817they reduced it recently so will have been old stock
@@marl-marl-marl don't know what they sell in the UK but in Spain Mahou Cinco Estrellas (red) is 5.5, and Mahou Classica (green) is, as disko said, 4.8. always has been.
I am a barman in the north of Scotland and I really like learning about some of the beers you review. Helps me out at work since I drink Ales/Heavy, I cant stand lager. Keep up the good work!
I love Scottish wee heavy beers.
Victoria Malaga is an absolute star of a Lager! I'd highly recommend Malaga City as a place to visit for a holiday too!
Fuengirola is lovely cheap to
Agree, perfect at the weekend in Malaga and a short flight from the UK
If it is not brewed in Spain it is not Spanish.
Agree my friend. It’s 💩 if it’s brewed in England and I am English..
Spanish lager is one of the best.
Qué?
I guess it's "Spanish style", which I admit is a marketing term that's as good as meaningless.
True
Estrella Galicia is the best 5.5% abv in spain its superb on tap.
Hi mate , just a heads up , went to my local B&M store in Grimsby today (18/06/2024) and they are selling the Victoria Malaga for £1:50 a bottle , just had to try a couple of bottles after your great review . Hopefully it will be the same price at your local B&M as well , I'm going back early in the morning to grab a few more at that price , cheers , Gaz
You’ve probably already tried it but just in case you haven’t get hold of a bottle of Estrella Damm Inedit. It’s a Spanish wheat beer and is absolutely delicious, probably my fave beer. It’s sold in some supermarkets.
Great review… enjoyed the pronunciation. I really like Estrella Galicia, it is very good quality.
Wonderful absolutely wonderful. Off to Spain on Sunday to drink REAL Spanish lager. Great video Si. Great to see UK Mahou and Victoria Malaga are still brewed in Spain. 🇪🇸
Brewed in Spain for the UK market, which is a lower ABV unfortunately. But better the UK brewed stuff.
@@WillsandiCorrect Amigo!
@Willsandi uk mahou is now mahou classica which is drunk in Spain. They've made it red like cinco estrella though, to confuse things.
@@diskopartizan0850 I was not aware of this, I much prefer the classica so will be buying this when I see it.
As a Brit living in Spain - I definitely enjoyed this video. I've gone through this debate numerous times with locals and internationals, so here are my takeaways: 1) The Spanish brewed beers are still being brewed for the UK market, local versions will be closer to 6% ABV, people here prefer to drink higher ABV, but less volume, 2) Madri is a UK only beer, 3) The general consensus is that Estrella Galacia is the best macro beer after taking away regional bias, but Alhambra is another one that comes up a lot, 4) Either way, your ranking is still pretty accurate, Cruzcampo is often the butt of a joke here. If you ever want to repeat the exercise with real Spanish beer, reach out and I can bring send you some cans over next time I'm back in the UK.
was in lanzarote in Feb (first time in spain) and one of the highlights was simply trying all the beers lol. Galacia was one of the stand outs
4 months late but agree with many, Estrella Galicia is top dog. Alhambra 1925 is also excellent and definitely recommend it.
Another great review, thank you. I saw this after I'd just tried Mahou for the first time. I got it from Ocado and gave it 5 stars, so we're in agreement! I'll look out for the Malaga.
I agree with you absolutely and one dreads finding the continental lager you really like, e.g. Moretti, suddenly its brewed in the UK. Also, the bottle may be Spanish or Italian, but where does the draught version come from. Peroni for example. How do they get these beers past the Advertising Standards Authority. Especially Madri!
I must admit to be surprised that your Damn was brewed in Spain. The bottles I have seen over here for the last few years are brewed in the UK somewhere. I will look at a bottle label asap.
Tried the lot. Victoria Malaga by far my favourite. First time I tried it I knew straight away it was special.🍺
San Miguel is originally from the Philippines and Madri is British lager marketed as a Spainish one.
Great video Simon! I'm Spanish and I totally agree with you. All these beers (except Madrí) are widely consumed in Spain
Great reviews and comparisons. I’ve ended up buying beer based on your best one out of a group. Thanks, you’re a friendly gent too, super channel.
Another man speaking for the corporate industry or WHAT ?
I grew up just round from the brewry in fountainbridge Edinburgh great memories and the smell from the brewry always takes me back I can smell it of some beers I drink today very distinct, btw Tennents Super "Breakfast of Kings" "Central heating for Tramps"
Great video and accurate! And this is just my opinion but the Estrella Galcia is one of the best larger I've had, and I've tasted a lot!
Cruzcampo is brewed in Tadcaster North Yorkshire at the John Smith Brewery. Madri is also brewed in Tadcaster by Coors (or at least the keg version is).
Love going to Spain and having that first cold Estrella in the sunshine.
Simon that was entertaining. I sat through the video and got educated. I will drink anything if I enjoy it. I have 20 bottles of McEwan's Champion in my shed thought you would like to know that. I shall definitely be looking for those two Spanish brewed lagers this week end. I really didn't drink beers till I found your channel about five years ago . Well I thank you for introducing me to a fantastic world of different beers . If we ever meet one day the beer is on me. Thanks for your honest reviews you have never let me down . I even enjoy the Tramp juice I love the terminology. Keep up the good work. Colin.
The bottle recycling containers must be overflowing down your street. Excellent video
Got through a few Tropicals on Gran Canaria recently - v nice.
An excellent winner 🏆 The brewery is on the outskirts of Malaga and if you’ve not been to that city a great craft beer scene and a wonderful spot 👏
What a great video. I am Spanish from Malaga, and I am happy you rated Victoria. It is available in every bar where I live as it is our local lager. I am also a massive fan of Mahou, but the green Mahou, not the red as you had here. It is a shame the green one is not available in the UK.
I am also glad you rated Cruz Campo so poorly, it is not a good lager here either.
Glad you mentioned Tropical. Its big in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura......took our lad to Lanzarote last July. We found a lovely bar with stunning views where it was €1.50 a pint. Enjoyed sinking 4 or 5 in the afternoon
I love Victoria Málaga. I first tried it in Lanzarote and was immediately impressed by it. I've bought it ever since. I get it in Lidl or home bargains in the UK and it's readily available in Spain, Mallorca etc in all the shops. Not seen it much on tap in Spain though.
Victoria brewed in malaga is outstanding , loads of local bars carry it in the costa del sol area
Genius review...living in spain 11 years, my scores too and ranking to the letter. Mahou classic in green can would be up there, less heady than mahou premium next day. Alhambra Especial from grenada a top lager too. Cruz campo is like soda unless you get CC especial. Estrella dam nice bitter tuesday night quaff. malaga victoria hit and miss
A lot of mahou in the UK if you check your can/bottle it says ‘Brewed in Spain and canned in the UK’ also think the percentage has dropped from 5.1 to 4.8 so like estrella damm are we getting a specific watered down version of the Spanish for the UK market
I'm also not sure if Mahou is brewed here or in Spain.
@@craigb2644Mahou is brewed in Spain. Mahou San Miguel Group (yes they brew both) are not willing to make the same mistake with Mahou as they did with San Miguel and allow it to be contract brewed on a long term agreement.
Also the ABV drop is due to them no longer wanting to brew a proprietary UK spec brew at 5.1% anymore. They are using their own Spanish “Clasica” recipe (green label in Spain) for the UK market. This is because they are constantly brewing it, have a constant supply and it’s in the same ballpark ABV as other UK Spanish lagers. It also saves them a lot of money moving forward having to stop and convert brewing to a UK proprietary brew when needed and it’s also a more authentic Spanish lager being the same that’s available in Spain.
The canning, bottling and kegging (for PD) is all for tax purposes. If you are shipping in beer ready for retails sale there is more tax and duty than having it tankered in as a wholesale product and then having can,bottle and keg it up.
No you are not !!
The 4.8% is a more authentic Spanish lager than the UK proprietary 5.1% brew !!
The red mahou in Spain = 5.5% and we have never had that here in the UK. We got a UK proprietary brew at 5.1% to compete with Madri.
Now Madri has dropped ABV Mahou San Miguel group has decided to use their traditional Spanish “CLASICA” recipe (green label in Spain) which has always been 4.8% and is Mahou’s original Spanish lager.
The 4.8% recipe is more authentic than the 5.1% UK proprietary brew and it allows Mahou San Miguel to have a constant supply for the UK rather than having to stop and convert brewing to a UK proprietary spec beer, thus saving time and money.
Mahou is brewed in Spain as they don’t want their title beer in the UK to suffer the same contract brewing fate as San Miguel.
Hope this explains what is actually happening rather than just assuming an ABV drop is due to negative reasons.
Good vid - Are they 'authentic' though when the ABV is less here? Estrella Damm 5% over there Galicia 5.4 San Mig 5.4
If you want authentic Spanish you only really get it in Spain.
Personally find there's nothing wrong with the San Miguel over here - at least while its 5%.....until they wreck that too!
Aguila on tap... Was drinking that a few weeks ago over there... Spot on!
Mahou my fave. Home bargains did 660ml bottle for 1.79 what a bargain. The Malaga is ace too.
2 places near me have Victoria on draught. It sells very well.
Speaking to colleagues in Madrid, they say that Victoria reminds them of going on holiday.
I used to drink San Miguel all the time and always had banging hangovers. No I rarely touch it but I do have Estella and never feel as ill
I'm leaving Spain as u drop this video Simon and Malaga Vic is my go-to spanish beer in the UK and here in Spain is no different,solid beer and 6 cans for 3.99 euro! Had a few mahou un filtered that was quality! Having arrived at Gibraltar for port I'm drinking an old spec hen ands it's nice to have something not so carbonated! Time and place for everything haha
I loved Tropical Cerveza when I was in the Canaries. You can't get it in the UK which is a huge shame but I have seen some tropical for sale online for an expensive price like £30 for a pack of 6. I guess thats holiday makers bringing them back to sell.
For me Tropical is too light and not much going on with taste. I'd rather drink it's rival Dorada Rojo which has more flavour but is slightly on the sweet side though.
Plus its 5.5 in Spain..san mig here is mince. BTW have u noticed your fave beer in Aldi has gone...No Steinhauser for weeks!
I drink Estrella Damm here in New Zealand great beer, and its gluten free, barley and rice. We were over in the Uk last year, I could not find the Damm so drank Madri even the pubs sold Madri, I do like the Spanish beers
Good to see Estrella commit to providing us with Spanish beer with the advertising and the launch of Victoria Malaga over here. I doubt it will end up brewed under licence. At least we have a few options now unlike a few years ago where basically San Miguel was the only fake Spanish beer available. Prices on the Estrella is good as well considering its imported. My local has Victoria Malaga on draft for £5.40 a pint.
If it sells well in the uk, they will start brewing it under license in the uk.
Estrella Galacia is my favourite spanish lager - I didn't know for quite a while it was a brewed by a separate brewery to Estrella Damm.
You should try Turia from round here in Valencia. I think you can get at Aldi or Lidl. Agree about Victoria Málaga which on tap on my local and also Mahou, particularly the green Mahou.
Lidl sell the Victoria Malaga
Agree 100% with you on that. Malaga #1 Mahou #2.
My favourite there is also Victoria Malaga.
In Buxton where I live, there's a very good Spanish bar/restaurant, which has just about all those in draught and is the first place I tried the Victoria and the Galicia.
Another one regularly in there is Rosa Blanca which you can also get Morrisons.
Originally in bottles, but now also available in a can multi pack.
It tastes a tad smoother on draught and is possibly close to the Galicia, taste wise similarly more akin to the bitterness of a Czech Pilsner.
Tbh I've never noticed if it's a Spanish import or UK brewer.
I suspect import, but I'll check today and see if I can pick up a couple of bottles of Mahou, which I've never tried.
Great video by the way, I'll look out for more.
Excellent video. It is like being in mate's kitchen talking and drinking beer. Smooth and drinkable. Well done.
Breweries pre - treat hard water with Epsom Salts to soften the water, that’s what you are smelling . They don’t have to declare it as an ingredient because it’s not actually added to the beer.
Must make you dump for England
I discovered Turia in Valencia and i was so happy to find in Barcelona
I spend a lot of time in Spain and it takes time to adjust to the UK crap larger,
Estrella Damm is also excellent, the double ll in Estrella is pronounced Y in Spanish so it's Esrtaya to us
“Estrella” just means “Star”… so the 2 Estrella beers are completely unrelated….
Both ‘Damm’ beers will be Spanish brewed and bottled in Bedford…..
I was drinking Cruzcampo in Sevilla last month and on my return home, bought a couple of bottles from Morrison's. Tasted bloody rank in comparison.
Great review! I lived in Spain for four years (Andalucia) and can concur that the native brewed versions are a different animal. Amstel was ubiquitous as was San Miguel - both reasonable enough to wash down the tapas, but where available I would choose the Cruzcampo and Mahou on draft as daily drinkers and was never disappointed.
Another local beer I really enjoyed was Alhambra - brewed in Granada. Not sure if that is available as an import but would be worth a try if that's the case. This was the beer of choice to take home in cans from Mercadona.
On Madri, I first tried it a couple of years ago in my local and it was okay but nothing special, and wasn't impressed enough to get the store version. Finally, Spanish Cruz is the antithesis of the Burton variation. I think my friends in Cordoba would die inside if they knew this imposter was being sold as a Spanish beer.
Drinking mahou on the perfect draft at the moment. Got to say Im Really enjoying it. The Belgium stella was always my favourite but now it's uk brewed it's not even close.. another great review cheers Simon.🍻
Used to drink Mahou (Red Label, not Green) on draft in Spain (lived there 15 years). Tried virtually all of the others but none had the "hoppy" taste of Mahou Red.
Another great video. You know just for sheer curiosity I would like to see a British lager comparison video.
Love your videos. And I'm a premier boozer. I didn't like malaga. Thought it was too dark in colour and that seems to effect my hangover and I thought mahou was to strong. Loved damm and galacia though. Great review mate. I've got a mate who loves san Miguel. It's bloody awful
Love the big sighs towards the end. It's when drinking beer has become a chore and a job :)
You’re a good bloke and interesting to listen to
I was in Alicante last year and tried San Miguel Magna, 5.5% and it was gorgeous, I was shocked!
Alhambra Especial (5.4%) is missing from the line-up. Has occasionally featured in bottles at some Tesco I believe. Competition for Mahou and EG.
They have the 1925 in Tesco which is 6.4%. A fantastic beer and my go to when I'm in Spain
I think San Miguel is actually brewed at Carlsberg in Northampton rather than their Marston's plant in Burton, still the same issue mind. Madri is absolutely made in Coors brewery and is apparently 80s and 90s carling recipe slightly altered according to someone I know who works there.
Madri is Coors light with a bit of caramel and hop oil. And San Miguel isnt brewed in Burton as the Marstons Brewery does not brew lagers
For me I would Give A Estrella Damm a 3rd place Because it's still smooth for Estrella galicia for me it's malty & coffee taste for me but for Victoria Malaga is lovely I've try it for the first time it is Nice xxx
Estrella Galicia is something I drink here in Ireland and was possibly the best commercial beer to come out of Spain when I lived there.
B&M have the 660ml Victoria Málaga on for £1.50 a bottle, scooped some up today 😁
They now do Mahou rose beer, about 4.8%.Was drinking it in Torremolinos this year.Nice.
Tried the rose,personally i thought it was rank think I will stick to traditional Mahou
Will all taste similar… l am fortunate to live in Bangkok where there’s three lager type beers Singa, Leo and Chang all very acceptable and no more than £1.50 a pint if I want a sexy craft beer it’s even more expensive than Uk with import laws but some Thai breweries are really upping their game lately…
Great content 🙏👊
Ive never seen Victoria Málaga in supermarkets where to go in uk is my question great video agree about Mahou 👍
Lidl
On Holiday last year my wife and i stopped by a bar the locals were drinking tropical came in a green bottle ice cold went down lovely the fish lunch we had
Really good video Simon, well done. Definitely more in the series please? Italy next?
A man speaking for the corporate industry or WHAT ?
Explain
This is currently 1.65 in lidl I think I'll get some (Victoria Malaga).
Estrella Damm will be brewed under licence here soon. Wells and Young's will be brewing it soon in Bedfordshire. The biggest Estrella brewery outside of Spain
Not under licence - it will be brewed by the owners - Damm. Don’t think they would let anyone else touch it!
Still will be an inferior version. Local water will affect it.
@@Nee69 reverse osmosis 👍
Victoria Malaga is my goto beer absolutely love it.
I always ask for Estrella Galicia in Spain and its very easy to get cheap here too (Majestic)
New to this channel. Really interesting presentations. Well done bud, keep it going!
This guy doesn't know how hilarious he is 😂 brilliant review, I'm going to give Victoria Málaga a try 😎
I don't know if I am your ony Spanish subscriber but I know this is going to be interesting anyway. Personally, I like Alhambra. I think you should review it if you have the chance!
I was in la coruna 2 weeks ago, where they brew estrella. Lovely jubbly drop with a tapas
Estrella is from Barcelona. Edit: oh hang on, Estrella is from Barcelona but Estrella Gallacia is from La Coruna
It's the same company. Clues in the name. Duh -
No, different breweries. Estrella Damm is brewed by Damm and Estrella Galicia is brewed by Hijos De Rivera
Is that a Bang and Olufsen Beocenter on the worktop behind you?!
These lager comparison videos are just the best
Estrella Galicia would be my personal favourite and San Miguel my least
Watch out for UK Estrella, they announced brewing here this year.
That was my favourite personally before you started the review, we both have good taste 😁👍
The Victoria Malaga wow I was surprised at that although I need to try that one 😊
Ive just sat & watched you , you are fabulous, i spent my birthday drinking Draught "Victoria Malaga" beer in my locla pub, i totaly agree with you its crisp refershing & very very drinkable Ive seen the "Mahou" in our local co op which i will now try. Thanks for a great Video cant wait for your next one.
Sick o pants following this fraud I see.
Simon, great review, I've just brought 5 bottles of Victoria 660ml in B&M £1.50 a bottle, happy days 😀
Good tip!
Bargain
My favourite beer is estrella Galicia. I don't know if it's the same one imported to the UK, but here it has 5.5% ABV. If you have the opportunity, try Estrella Levante, it will definitely impress you, for better or worse.
4.7 here unfortunately but it's still brewed in spain
Wow, I don't understand. Just like Mahou, here we have classic Mahou with 4.8 abv and “5 estrellas” Mahou, which is the one in the video that has 5.5 abv here in Spain
Yh I visit the canaries 3 times per year , winds me up how we get short measured in the uk
Great video mate. Pretty much agree with you on this but I think I may have swayed towards Mahou in the end.
Been drinking Victoria Malaga for a few weeks now £4.99 for 6 in Home Bargains 👍 I think it’s sold out now, noticed it was £6.99 in Lidl.
Yeah, was a bargain at £4.99
1.50 a bottle in B&M
Cruzcampo is not brewed in Edinburgh that's where Heinekin UK head office is based it's actually brewed in Tadcaster at the John Smiths brewery
John smiths is the bitter equivalent of Carling awful beer
Re. the Mahou. Currently I'm in Spain and I have noticed they sell a 4.8% Mahou Clásica in a green can. I think this is what they are selling in the UK but branding it as normal Mahou in the red packaging. The proper Mahou is 5.5% and tastes way better (well, maybe not way better, but I feel like we're not getting the proper stuff).
Cruzcampo in the U.K. is nothing like Cruzcampo in Spain. Madri is as Spanish as a polar bear.
Alhambra and Rosa Blanca from Majorca nicest beers I’ve had in Spain, though they brew Rosa Blanca in the U.K. now it’s about 3% to avoid duty.
The Victoria Malaga is actually one of the cheapest single bottle lagers in Lidl.
The Estrella beers are 5.4% in Spain, so regardless of the fact they are Spanish-brewed, they still water them down for the UK market. Only one that's the same in Spain is Victoria Malaga which is the best in the line-up in my opinion. The real San Miguel is also 5.4% in Spain, not sure about Mahou as I didn't see any.
I am very lucky in my town as the local ship opens at 5.30 am. I often have a hair of the dog wen I feel rough in the morning.