The Can Says: "10% Super X-Strong"

Rortise Says: The Swedes are well known for offering function over fashion. This substance over style culture has brought us such brands as Ikea, Volvo and Saab. I tried to push these to the back of my mind upon receipt of Kopparberg's Special Brew - another brand name which has "gone large" in the U.K. recently through their rather sweet ciders. I approached this review rather quizzically - could the Swedes beat the big boys?

For the record the 500ml can opened without any hint of protest, its malty aroma wafting into the surrounding air evoking mild comparisons to Carlsberg's offering of the same name. The taste of this 10% brew (for the record Kopperbergs also present a weaker, 7.5% version for consumption) is well balanced for a super - not too bitter but not too sugary either. An altogether pleasant lingering aftertaste comes to the fore once the can has been finished, almost whispering to you to drink more of this fine Swedish brew.

In Conclusion: Kopperberg Special Brew is indeed a fine addition to any aficionado's collection of supers. It should be filed under "rare exotica" as it is just that - rare. Currently unavailable in the United Kingdom you will have to journey to Scandinavia to even see this brew, let alone sample it. This Swedish super takes you on a rollercoaster ride of taste and always leaves you wanting more. Ultimately it thoroughly deserves a tasty 8/10