Brazil is known for many things: Carnival, Samba, supermodels and waxings. Beer is not one of these things but given the waxings it should come as no surprise that the Brazilian people indulge in pint or two every now and again. Brewed by Cervejaria Sul Brasileira, Xingu (pronounced SHIN-goo) hails from South America’s largest and most dynamic country.
Interestingly enough, Xingu is a German style of beer known as Schwarzbier. This fact makes much more sense when you consider that Brazil is home to the third largest population of people from German ancestry. Schwarzbier is German for “black beer” and, although it shares the same color as other dark beers like Stout and Porter, the style tends to be less dependant on roasted malts for flavor. It is usually light in body, uses hops for mild bitterness, and like many other lagers is generally very clean tasting.
Appearance
Very dark in color; it is only when held to the light that a slight brown hue can be detected. A tan head only reaches half a finger and subsides rather quickly. Like a brazilian bikini, a nice lacing clings to the sides of the glass.
Smell
Nutty with a bit of caramel, chocolate, and coffee. All these aromas are united in their modesty making the beer’s nose difficult to describe.
Taste
The beer is equally timid in its flavor profile with hints of roasted malt, breadiness, and a bit of sweetness reminiscent of mocha almond fudge ice cream. A light acidity hits the tongue in the finish as does a mild hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel
Unlike its dark coloring, Xingu is light bodied. Moderately carbonated, this beer is quite pleasant in the mouth feeling clean and smooth.
Drinkability
This is absolutely a drinkable beer. It is smooth, clean, and goes down very easily. The conservative 4.7% ABV means that more that one can be enjoyed before you make a fool of yourself on the Samba floor. The beer doesn’t do anything to differentiate itself and reminds the drinker more of a Bud Light than a typical craft beer. Undoubtedly, it tastes much better when lying in a cabana on a Brazilian beach. Overall grade for Xingu: C+
Xingu
Up next on Tuesday Tastings: Marin Brewing Co.’s Mt. Tam Pale Ale