Central America, Mexico & Brazil Beer Journal

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This one is a bit of fun for anyone who enjoys an ice cold beer. The following beer journal was compiled during our trip to Brazil, Central America and Mexico. All scores are rated from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the highest) and are, of course, purely subjective. Naturally, there is really no such thing as a 10 allowing the quest for the perfect beer to continue. Enjoy and salute!

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Photos

Port Royal: Honduras 9/10
The overall trip winner! A Roatan favourite, this quality beer is somewhat bitter with delicate but distinct hops flavours, has a malty undertone yet is distinctly dry, is firm bodied with tantalizing fermented freshness. Great emotional appeal and quality yet unpretentious image.

Corona: Mexico 9/10
A long time favourite and still the king of Mexican style beers. Elegant and instantly recognisable quality glass packaging. Well fermented, dry, crisp and subtle hoppy flavours. Easy drinking with solid Caribbean credentials.

Belekin: Belize 8/10
Golden, full bodied and malty, this proved to be a high quality and satisfying choice. Regarded by many as the national drink of Belize, Belekin was smooth and simply delicious when ice cold.

Barena: Honduras 8/10
A very convincing and tasty brew packed full of hops flavours and with a fresh, crisp and fizzy body. A real treat and great island companion.

Skol: Brazil 8/10
Crisp, light with gentle hoppy bitterness. Community spirit builder. The Hansa of Brazil. A card playing friend affectionately known as "Skollie".

Shiner Bock: Fort Worth Texas 8/10
Making a guest appearance from the USA but worth a mention due to its distinct and quality attributes. A local favourite, this full bodied brew was smooth, bitter and refreshing with a hit of malt richness. Appealing brand image with proud Texan credentials.

Sol: Mexico 8/10
Refreshing and thirst quenching. Can easily consume ten without blinking an eye. A close second to Corona but still the prince of Mexican beers. Also consumed in Brazil where the 275ml baby Sol was a big hit.

Salva Vida: Honduras 7/10
Another beer adding to Honduras's strong standing. A slightly more malty and rich beer that remains medium bodied, fresh and dry. A very good accompaniment to seafood and hot evenings.

Victoria: Nicaragua 7/10
A very welcoming beer with classic crisp, malty and dry characteristics. A great companion and facilitator of many conversations on how to save the world.

Dos Equis Amber: Mexico 7/10
Smooth and full flavoured beer with malty flavour yet not too rich or sweet. Well fermented and extremely drinkable especially when ice cold.

Cusquena: Peru 7/10
Distinct golden colour. Smooth medium bodied. slightly rich with roasted malt undertones. Peru's Hansa Marzen Gold and a very respectable choice.

Belekin Stout: Belize 7/10
One of only two stouts featured and the clear winner. Distinct roasted malt flavours but medium bodied and unsweet. Proved to be good brain fuel for quizz night.

Brahva: El Salvador 7/10
Consumed in Guatemala but brewed in El Salvador, Brahva was a very tasty and rewarding beer. A step up from its Brazilian relative, this cold, dry and crisp beer was the perfect companion to hot and humid Rio Dulce afternoons.

Itaipava: Brazil 6/10
A little nondescript but great for high volume consumption (the South African boys set a new 660ml consumption record at the Travellers Tavern in Paraty). Good majority choice and a safe fall back option.

Dos Equis Lager: Mexico 6/10
Thin bodied, dry but lacking in any really impactful flavour. An acceptable choice but not as good as its elder brother.

Gallo: Guatemela 6/10
A 'strong' malty beer with slightly sweet and rich flavours. Full bodied and a little heavy.

Brahma: Brazil 6/10
Every day drinking beer with slightly hoppy taste. Smooth and enjoyable. The people's choice.

Mozza: Guatemala 6/10
A respectable stout especially in small doses. Distinct and strong roasted malt flavours with medium body.

Dorada Gold: Guatemala 6/10
Trying to be a Miller Genuine Draft but falls short. A little too thin bodied with slight sweet aftertaste and no real hit. Worth the try.

Imperial Light: Costa Rica 6/10
The rehabilitated younger brother of the Imperial family and an acceptable choice at 4.6% alc/volume.

Tona: Nicaragua 5/10
A surprisingly popular choice but found to be lacking in any real appeal despite being given ample time to prove itself. Even the first sip sometimes battles to go down smoothly.