PWS introduces Saipan to Carlsberg

Discovery of the week: Oysters warmed over hot coals and drizzled with a squeeze of lemon and vinegar is the perfect accompaniment to beer, preferably a dark pilsner such as a bottle of Carlsberg. The roasted malt flavor of the medium-bodied Carlsberg is a lively counterpoint to the oyster’s strong salty taste, the bitter-sour combination doing a lively rumba on one’s palate.

Even more perfect: a bottle of chilled Carlsberg, a plateful of oysters, a view of the sun sinking over the Saipan lagoon, a slight cool breeze dancing over the waters, and good conversation among friends. That’s where I found myself last Tuesday, at the beachside of Pacific Islands Club’s Seaside Grill, during the launch of Carlsberg premium pilsner beer.

Hosted by Pacific Wines and Spirits, the early evening affair was heralded by an invitation that promised “sumptuous pupus, light entertainment, a superior sunset & the crisp taste of Carlsberg.” I couldn’t resist. They had me at “sumptuous pupus,” although I had to ask PWS’ Orleyne Tabucanon what “pupus” was. Anything unknown is always an adventure, right?

Clearly I wasn’t the only one intrigued. Hotel GMs from all over the island were present in Tuesday’s affair, accompanied by Food and Beverage directors and managers and a lot of other island movers and shakers, who all helped themselves to the great food and the free-flowing beer. The light spread—grilled oysters, shrimp tempura, barbecued beef and chicken—couldn’t be replenished fast enough and PWS even went so far as providing mini-beer barrel dispensers at each table so guests could just help themselves to glass after glass of the excellent beverage.

As an added touch, all the PWS staff were dressed in custom-made green shirts or dresses, carrying on the trademark motif of the Carlsberg brand. The light entertainment came in the form of PIC’s resident band, Fat Joy Slim (Patz and Joy on vocals, Joel on lead guitar and James on percussion).

The star of the night itself—bottle after bottle of Carslberg premium pilsner beer—didn’t disappoint. This was the kind of beer that you don’t guzzle but slowly savor, each sip revealing a fresh facet of summer flavors that ranged from hops and grains, to pine needles, sorrel, and could that be Danish summer apples? According to the press kit, Carlsberg is brewed using pale lager malt, bittering hops, aroma hops, and Carlsberg bottom fermenting yeast.

“It’s the yeast and aroma hops used that makes Carlsberg unique. It’s signature yeast was developed and perfected in 1883 and has been used ever since to provide the classic Carslberg taste,” it said.

The packaging itself didn’t hurt, the dark green bottle with the embossed name of Carlsberg on the side making an elegant container for such an elegant beer. (The Carlsberg logo was developed in 1904 and the crown on the logo represents the brand’s association with the Royal Danish Court.)

Royal or not, the beer’s debut on the island was an unqualified success, with guests staying well beyond the 8:30pm cutoff. The makers of Carlsberg may actually have gotten it right: Carlsberg is probably the best beer in the world.