[Event]

There’s one thing that will always attract me to attend an event and that is German beer! Therefore I couldn’t decline an invite to try our some German beers and on 16 January 2014, MHB’s Andy Kho and myself, along with Veron and Crystal headed over to SOP in Paradigm Mall for the launch of not one or two but six German beers that was making its official appearance on Malaysian shores – Bitburger, Benediktiner, Köstritzer, Wernesgrüner, Licher and König Pilsener.

SOP is an abbreviation for “Same Old Place”, and is one of the newest restaurant and bar in Paradigm Mall, serving mainly German-inspired cuisines with more than 30 brands of liquors and beers that are rare, exclusive and not readily available in Malaysia. SOP occupies 3,100 square feet with 1,100 square feet dedicated to an alfresco dining area whilst the remaining 2,000 square feet covers the pub area and VIP corner. SOP also offers a range of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks, concocted by its very own mixologists.

Now here’s a look at some of the beers and liquors available at SOP:

Benediktiner

Like luminous amber suffused with orange highlights, Benediktiner Weissbier sparkles in the glass, with an opalescent appearance lent by the natural cloudiness of the yeast. Its rich, white head is characterized by a good density and fine texture. The pot-pourri of aromas combines strong caramel notes, with hints of honey and fruits, chief among them bananas and raisins. Each gently sparkling sip melts on the tongue and palate, bringing a distinct sense of refreshment. A full body, with a harmonious balance of sweet and a discrete bitterness in the background, creates a smooth, creamy mouth feel.

Köstritzer Schwarzbier

A mahogany colour, and a lasting, a cream-coloured, finely pored head are the defining features of Kostritzer black lager beer. Its expressive fragrance evokes a range of intense spicy aromas, including sage, roasted chestnuts, dark honey, bitter chocolate and fresh farm-baked bread. Dry on the palate, and marked by bitter-sweet herbal and toasting aromas. The intense aromas are balanced by the gently sparkling carbonation with freshness and elegance. With delicate bitter tones and malty sweetness, it finished slowly on the palate. A complex, many-layered black lager beer that tastes lean and refreshing with its abundance of flavours. Kostritzer produces more than 400,000 hectolitres of Schwarzbier, making it Germany’s number ONE black lager beer brand, a position it has held for 20 years.

Wernesgrüner

Brilliant golden yellow with a light, white head – the unmistakable appearance of Wernesgrüner Pils Legende. This beer is characterized by an intense aroma of hops combined with a whiff of malt, reminiscent of the smell of ripe grain and fresh white bread just out of the oven. A lean, fresh flavor on the palate, with natural sprightliness. Subtle fruitiness reminiscent of apples and bitter-sweet hop aromas that linger harmoniously.

König Pilsener

König Pilsener also known as “The King of Beers” was the first German premium Pilsener beer to gain widespread acceptance wherever quality of the highest order sets the standard. The finest, carefully selected ingredients and the knowledge of generations of the best master brewers provide the basis for the success of the unique taste of König Pilsener.

 Bitburger

Note first the bright, fresh golden color and rich frothy head so typical of this elegant Pilsner beer. Its refined herbal notes are delicately poised, followed by a nutty and honeyed aftertaste. The overall impression of this gently sparkling beer is one of deep harmony, with the unmistakable bitterness of the hops balanced and contained by an agreeable, mellow sweetness in the body.

Licher

Licher premium beers – a treat for every taste in beer with the highest standards of quality. With the classic varieties – Licher Pilsner, Licher Export and Licher Weizen wheat beer, and the low-alcohol and non-alcoholic variants Licher Leicht, Licher Isotonisch Alkoholfrei and Licher Weizen Alkoholfrei.

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Ever heard of the “green fairy”? Well it’s what absinthe is known as in France as apparently if you drink too much of it you’ll start seeing green fairies. (you can click on the photos below to open a larger version)

Pretty cool how it was prepared!

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SOP is located at

Lot 07 (Opposite TGIF),

Ground Floor Boulevard,

Paradigm Mall Kelana Jaya,

Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Operating Hours: 11:00am to 1:00am daily (deejay plays from 8.00pm onwards)

Photo credits: SOP, and author’s own

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