Carlsberg & Carlsberg's Elephant (Denmark)

Carlsberg 4.6%

Probably not the best beer in the world (despite what their slogan says). It has a slightly malty taste which is a little bitter for an international lager but all in all it does not feature a very interesting taste. Not the worst of the generic beers out there but you might as well get a cheaper (a.k.a. local) one that has a full 5.0% ABV since I don't see why you'd only be drinking this for the flavour. That is unless you are in Denmark, because as they say: " When in Denmark, drink Carlsberg (at least once)!" No really they say that over there all the time...

Carlsberg Elephant 7.2%

The first thing I notice with this beer is its almost, but not quite, syrupy texture. It tastes a little of almonds and toasted bread; a little bitter and a little sweet. It makes me think of a "grown-up's" version of Colt 45: it's main feature is its high alcohol content but spend a little bit more money to get a better flavour. It doesn't taste like 7.2% but it packs a wallop.

Certainly worth trying if you are passing through Denmark and want a strong beer without much flavour (good or bad) but if you miss it, well, you are not exactly missing a unique or special beer.

Carl's Porter (Carlsberg - Denmark)

Now THIS is an authentic porter. Smooth, barely carbonated, and bitter with strong flavours of black coffee and peat smoke. High in alcohol (7.8%) and opaque in a glass ... really opaque: if you have more than an inch in a glass you can't see through it.

Made by the Carlsberg brewery this is a really nice porter, certainly not a beer that anyone who doesn't like dark beers is going to like, but this is a dark beer for dark beer lovers. Also, considering it is such a strongly flavoured and so dark (have I mentioned it's dark?) this beer is surprisingly light.

I paid 10 DKK (which exchanges for a little under $2.00 CAD) for a 0.33 l bottle of this from the Carlsberg Brewery gift shop. Which I consider a steal of a deal. If you have the chance and like porters I recommend this one.