Cuba 59

When you see a new beer, you must try it, and when that beer is on special, it’s hard to go past.

That's the case with a beer floating around the place called Cuba 59.

Apparently this beer was inspired by the 1959 Cuban Revolution – how is beyond me because it tastes more like it was inspired by the Mexican revolution – a la Corona.

For those who like their beer with a full body, Cuba 59 might be a bit lacking, but I found it to be a refreshing lighter style of beer well suited to steamy days in Havana (I've never been)..

However this drop comes from nowhere near Cuba. It is brewed by Independent Distillers in Australia.

It is a pale-ale-style lager with a subtle hint of citrus, and comes clean and crisp across the palate.

It is light in colour, clear and doesn’t have a strong or pronounced aroma.

The aftertaste isn’t strong and doesn’t linger very long, and for that reason Cuba 59 may find a market among those who don’t like strong beer flavours or among female drinkers.

What it does have is a decent "sessionability" rating, simply because it is such an easy beer to drink, and is one which doesn’t sit heavily on the gut but is still a full-strength drop at 4.6%.

You may find it goes well with a variety of foods, from spicy dishes such as Mexican food to curries or even some Asian dishes.

I think this is a better warm weather beer, aimed at quenching a thirst rather than sitting and savouring.

Cuba 59 does have a cool retro-looking label, and for the price, it could be a worthy alternative to those who enjoy Mexican beers.

I didn’t mind it and would consider this a good party beer, but one which should definitely be enjoyed icy cold.

At about $12-14 per six-pack of 330ml stubbies, it’s not bad value for money, but is definitely not for those who like their beer to have a big taste.

MY TIP

Cuba 59 has to be enjoyed icy cold. It doesn’t have much of an aroma, is light in colour and taste and is a very social beer – you can have a few.

It lends itself to a variety of dishes from barbecues to Mexican chilli, Asian foods and some spicy curries.

At $12-14 per six-pack it’s not bad value compared to others of the same style.