Here in Sweden, we are not so blessed as we were back in New York City, with the absence of independent liquor stores and government control of all things alcoholic. Thankfully, Systembolaget, loosely translated as 'System-Company', is the only shop in Sweden that is allowed to carry products with more than 3.5% alcohol content. It keeps up to the minute stocks of foreign and domestic beers, wines and a bit o'the brown stuff. These are some of the brands we keep on hand at home.
Eskilstuna Ölkultur Dubbel IPA (8.7%) - Local craft beer here in Sörmland with a great notes of lemon, caramel, basil, thyme and pineapple in the form of a strong but fresh and hoppy IPA. Look for more about Eskilstuna Ölkultur here in the future. KoS Rating: 5/5
Daura Damm (5.4%) - Technically I found this beer back in Brooklyn (by accident) when I had mistaken it for Estrella Damm (Barcelona) Pure coincidence, it is produced by the same Barcelona brewery known worldwide, but with a Gluten-Free twist. Fresh, clean and extremely drinkable. KoS Rating: 4/5
Früh Koelsch (4.8%) - We're big fans of German Koelsch, so we were psyched to find an abundance Früh Koelsch at 'System'. A mild but still very present beer that goes great with meat, fowl or fried dishes (like deep fried Brussels Sprouts, omg!) with a nice medium amber color and sharp, but frosty finish. KoS Rating: 4/5
Roodeberg (14%) - Roodeberg is a tried and true brand from the Western Cape of South Africa. It's varietal blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz make for an incredible combination, with notes of black currants, coffee and licorice. We actually prefer the box to the bottle; with the built-in aerating tap, a perfectly poured glass is guaranteed every time. KoS Rating: 5/5
Cantina Zaccagnini Pecorino (13%) - Cantina Zaccagnini Pecorino is a white wine from the fabled Abruzzo region of eastern Italy; yes from the same region where Pecorino cheese is made. As it happens, the ewes, (female goats or 'Pecora') that produce the milk for Pecorino, have been known to eat the fallen grapes of the namesake vineyards. No wonder the cheese and the wine of the same name go so well together! Often served with fresh rosemary, this makes for a fantastic combination. Notes of yellow plum, pear, Galiamelon, herbs and almonds. Drink it with fish, vegetables and grilled fare, but it's great year round. KoS Rating: 5/5