Beer Drinking in Addis Ababa
I had the opportunity to travel to Addis Ababa for a conference and got to check out some local beers at Hilton Hotel. Having never had an Ethiopian beer before, I was impressed with the number of offerings - 9 to choose from including Harrah,Dashen, Bati, Meta, Bedele, Bedele Special, Hakim Stout, St George and Castel. I tried those pictured below. All were acceptable to enjoy after a long day of meetings. I eventually defaulted to St. George - it had a very pleasing golden color, slight malty finish and was also available on tap. The Hakim Stout was not really a stout as I think of stouts, but more of an amber lager - sweet caramel flavors dominate. The Harar I sampled was a bit on the cloudy side compared to the other lagers, but was still drinkable. Meta was the lightest in color and also light on taste. Of the two offerings by Bedele, the Special was found not to be worthy of its higher price tag - while drinkable it was not as good as its cheaper sibiling which was reminescent of a European Pils.
.........................Bedele Special............................................................Bedele
...............................Hakim Stout.......................................................................Harar
...................................Meta.....................................................................St. George
The Hilton beer drinking group - members will remain nameless, but you know who you are