"How to overcome long, cold winter
days? A stronger beer, brewed after
a traditional recipe is the perfect
answer."
World of Heineken 39 winter 2008/2009
an aroma that is reminiscent of gingerbread and dark
breads, and it has a long-sustained and powerful after
taste.
Traditional bock beer tappings (the first opening of the
keg) have been scheduled, with their unmistakable mix
of pleasure, sociability and relaxation. With production
of 2,300 hectolitres of Gösser Bock, 1,450 hectolitres
of Puntigamer Winterbier and 4,000 hectolitres of
Zipfer Stefani Bock, Austria's Gemütlichkeit looks to be
guaranteed for another winter, but don't be late and
miss out!
ROMANIA
Ciuc has long been respected as a premium brand
in the Romanian beer market. Brewed by Heineken
Romania, consumers have been able to look forward to
Ciuc Winter since 2006.
"Ciuc Winter comes from our brewery in Miercurea
Ciuc, the 'freezing pole' of Romania in the heart of the
country," says brewmaster Katalin Zakarias. "Here,
people are used to temperatures being far below
zero for longer. They have learned to deal with tough
winters and also how to overcome long, dark winter
days. A stronger beer, brewed to a traditional recipe
is the perfect answer and allows us to 'export' this
local concept nationwide and to brew a limited-edition
winter version of Ciuc."
"In order to exploit the whole sales period, we decided
to avoid a direct link with Christmas and Ciuc Winter
turned out to be the best brand name," says Katalin.
The product will be on the market from November
2008 until March 2009 with a total of 14,800 hectolitres
to be packaged in 0.51 bottles, 1.51 PET bottles
and 0.51 cans. "This equals around 3% of the
annual brand volume," says Katalin.
that is distinctly more pleasant to the palate than the
traditional dark malty "bock" beers, it is smooth and
full with an unobtrusive hops flavour. Brewed according
to the ice beer method, i.e. concentrated to a higher
alcohol content because freezing out reduces water
content, its slight caramel touch makes it the perfect
beer for winter days."
Another brand, Zipfer, is also available in special
Christmas variants. "Both the Zipfer Stefanibock and
Josefibock have a long maturation period and are
strong on hop content," says Andreas. "They have a
slender bock beer character and 7% alcohol content.
Zipfer Bock gleams with an intensive golden colour, it
is harmonious with a fine spicy tang and malt note and
has a powerful taste with a concentrated hops finish."
As with most bock beers, Gösser Bock, related to a
third brand of Austria's successful beer portfolio,
is brewed with a distinct flavour. It has an intense
yellow colour and a highly complex bouquet with
a strong malt fragrance. Andreas points out that
the fresh and fruity flavour is supplemented by