Carlsberg Elephant (pack of 4) (7.2%)

A European strong lager from Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen, Denmark, at 7.2% ABV, sold as a four-pack of cans. The brewery was founded in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen, and the beer takes its name from the four stone elephant statues at the original brewery campus. Originally developed with the African market in mind, it is brewed by the Pilsner method but with significantly higher alcohol, giving a full-bodied strong lager. It was awarded three stars at the 2006 Superior Taste Awards from the International Taste & Quality Institute in Brussels. Honey leads the nose, followed by floral notes and malty sweetness, with apple and melon esters as it warms. The palate is smooth and malty with caramel, ripe apple, banana and growing dry bitterness, plus oak, bark, nuts and pine needles. The finish is medium-long, with dry hop bitterness, faint caramel and toasted grain.