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Slovakia
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Topvar, Marina Dark Beer (Slovakia) 
The busty barmaid on the label of this Tmavé (Dunkel-style) beer could have graced a Tennent's Lager can circa 1972, but never mind: the stuff inside is good, with a very dark, liquoricy brown colour and coffee coloured head. The nose is nutty and dark, with roasted coffee, a hint of treacle, and some plummy fruit. On the palate there's a pronounced sweetness, that is soon rebuffed by liquoricy, powerful and dry flavours with quite bitter hops and a dry, black chocolate note. This is is an enjoyable and interesting beer with a bit of character. Cases of this beer, or mixed cases of Topvar beers, are available in the UK from www.topvar.net. 5.0% ABV, 33cl, ?18 X 24, Horse & Jockey.  |  |
Topvar, Patriot (Slovakia)
Patriot is the stongest of Topvar's beers at 6% ABV, and is a Bohemian-style Pilsner that is quite dark and hoppy. The colour is a burnished gold, and the cream-coloured head is thick and quite persistent. On the nose there's a big tang of Oxford marmalade and a biscuity richness, with a nicely hoppy background of nettle and dried grass. On the palate this has a full, smooth texture and a definite sweetness, that is quickly overtaken by bitter hops and a grapefruit pith dryness. The malt provides a nice softening edge, in a really lovely beer. Cases of this beer, or mixed cases of Topvar beers, are available in the UK from www.topvar.net. 6.0% ABV, 33cl, ?18 X 24, Horse & Jockey. |  |
Topvar, Svetlé Leziak (Slovakia)
This Pilsner from Topvar has an orange-yellow colour and thin white head. It has an attractive nose, with plenty of fruity notes, a nice hoppy quality and an impression that it has some depth. This is confirmed on the medium-bodied palate, where the hoppy quality persists, along with some bitter, leafy green notes and a background suggestion of sweetening malt. Cases of this beer, or mixed cases of Topvar beers, are available in the UK from www.topvar.net. 4.8% ABV, 33cl, ?18 X 24, Horse & Jockey. |  |
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