The Kernel - Table Beer

How have I not reviewed this yet?! In the last 2 months I've demolished over 40 330ml bottles of it and I still managed to completely miss the fact that I've not reviewed it. I guess I just never clicked that I like to review beer and that table beer is beer. Do you remember when I finally reviewed Affligem? It was after I'd demolished a case of the stuff. I'd definitely taken a good thing for granted and I'm pretty sure I've done the same again.

I think it pays testament to the beer that you can drink so many without having to think about anything much at all. Most people would say that's a bad thing. I disagree. It takes a lot of skill and a lot of craft to make something that you don't have to think about and can simply enjoy. Mass produced lagers fail because I always end up thinking "aw, why am I drinking this?!" whereas if I think anything at all when I drink table beer it is a low-pitch contented purr.

There is little out of the ordinary about Table Beer, it's a low ABV pale, often around 2.7-3.3% and uses a variety of hops that often depend on what batch you get and the flavours seem to depend on what mood the brewers were in on that day. What you will always get, however, is something that's a slightly sweet, often citrussy tasting pale with a fruity/floral aroma, light speckling and low to medium carbonation.

It is a masterclass in how to make simple beer with no airs and graces, no wish to be superior, simply a wish to exist and exist well.

Food Suggestion: Dinner. Lunch at a push.

Drink this if you like: Beer.