San Miguel at Plough Lane: A Review
We decided that in the cause of strong independent journalism, we are required to try and review the beers available at Plough Lane. For scientific purposes only, obviously.
First up, the fan favourite, election winning, San Miguel, sampled at the Rotherham home game.
Appearance
Poured at the Phoenix, San Miguel arrives in a plastic pint cup with the kind of foamy head that lasts just long enough for you to take a picture before it collapses. Pale gold, slightly fizzy, a colour somewhere between “Spanish sunshine” and “DTB transparency levels.”
Aroma
Hints of malt, grain, and the faint whiff of regret from that time you drank six of them before an away game at Barrow. There’s nothing complex here. It smells like lager. But crucially, it doesn’t smell like Kingsmeadow Carlsberg.
Taste
Crisp start, a bit of sweetness, then… not much else. San Miguel is the beige of beers. Reliable, inoffensive, entirely fine. Some fans say it’s “refreshing.” Others say it’s “watery.” Both are correct.
It’s drinkable enough that you can put away two before kick-off without noticing, but not so good you’ll remember it by the final whistle.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, slightly thin, gone in seconds. If you want depth, try Camden. If you want to feel like you’re being punched by a pint glass, order Stella. San Miguel sits in the middle lane, politely nodding as it lets everyone else pass.
Price
Expect to pay £6.50. Which is either outrageous or a bargain depending on whether you work in Central London or not.
Food Pairing
Goes well with chips, pies, and arguing about JJ’s substitutions. Pairs less well with reading DTB statements during the second half.
Fan Reactions:
“San Miguel is the club’s best signing of the summer.”
“Should’ve gone Madri.”
“Where’s our real ale. I thought this was a fans club.”
Overall
San Miguel is not special. But it doesn’t need to be. It’s a familiar lager with just enough taste to keep you drinking it, and just enough nostalgia to make you think of away trips abroad. At Plough Lane, it’s a safe choice, the Barry Fuller of beers.
Score: 3.5/5
Enjoy this? Support WombleWorld for only £3.75 a month. This coincidentally is the price of half a pint of San Miguel at Plough Lane, and much less confusing than a DTB Membership including benefits.
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Apparently our WUP application failed the Poster Code of Conduct, “thou shalt not joke about the moderators”.
San Miguel obeyed. We didn’t. Guess which one’s on tap at Plough Lane.
Another excellent article. I would love you to do a review of a dry, English cider, like we have had since returning to Plough Lane, but sadly the club no longer sell one for you to do so.