I have never had a Spanish beer. Can you name one beer made in Spain? No. I honestly thought Spaniards only made wine. You know that whole romance language thing goes hand in hand with folks who sip delicate glasses of vino, right? Yet I have in front of me two 8-oz. mini bottles of Estrella Galicia. Brewed for almost a century in Spain by Hijos de Rivera, these bottles actually crossed the pond with some friends of mine just last week. The label is simple yet bold and there is a nifty pull-tab top. The tab reminds me of the old pull tabs on such canned beers as Schlitz and Pabst. It’s cool to have a pull tab on a bottle – now let’s get to drinking. Poured into a pint glass, this euro lager is a clear light straw color with a half inch of soapy white head. It retains a solid cap with an occasional spin and yields some lacing. Head dissipates rather quickly. A sharp husky grain on the nose and some noble hops, very grassy. A bit of light corn syrup sweetness, and minty, it seems very similar to some of our own macro-brewed lagers. Taste follows suit with no notable adjuncts in the house. Watery. The light malt flavor is simple but pleasant, offering an average feel and drink. These tiny bottles go down fast and there is a nice crisp hop finish. Overall a bit sweet and simple-minded in a Euro Strong sense, this beer lacks complex and amazing taste. However some lagers are not typically dolled up with complex flavors. They’re meant to be simple, crisp and cold. Something to slake a thirst on a hot day. Refreshing and drinkable. But, of course, some are better than others. This is my first Spanish beer, and the fact that it was purchased in Spain and hand-delivered to me by friends who knew I would be “beergeeked” over it, well that makes it special, and my choice for Beer of the Month.