Recently, my friend Nirav Bhatia returned from his trip to South Korea with a thoughtful gift: a can of Cass Fresh Beer. This gesture was a perfect opportunity to delve into one of Korea’s most popular beers and understand its place in the vibrant beer culture of South Korea
Beer Name: Cass Fresh
Manufacturer: Oriental Brewery Co Ltd
Origin: Seoul, South Korea
Company Founded in: 1933
Beer Type: Adjunct Lager
SRM (Colour): 8
Abv (Alcohol) : 4.5%
IBU (Bitterness): 8
My Cass Fresh Beer Experience
Before we dive into the taste, it’s important to understand the role beer plays in Korean culture, where it’s more than just a beverage; it’s a social lubricant that flows freely in countless “hofs” (Korean pubs) and pojangmachas (outdoor tents). Here, beer functions as an icebreaker, a companion to the star of the show: “Spicy Korean food”. Korean beers are designed to complement their cuisine, offering refreshment and a clean palate between bites of kimchi and bulgogi.
This focus on refreshment and pairing often leads to beers described as “bland” by those expecting complex flavors. But that’s like judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree. Korean beers, like Cass Fresh, excel in their own way.
Cass Fresh Beer pours a yellow-gold hue, lightly effervescent with a refreshing crispness. The beer’s light, citrus-infused scent profile is coupled with a sweet honeyed undertone, inviting and pleasant.
The first sip is a typical asian lager flavor – bright, crisp citrus notes balanced by a subtle maltiness and a touch of breadiness. The body is light and refreshing, with a soft effervescence that adds a delightful texture.
The finish of Cass Fresh leaves a clean, light aftertaste of barley with a noticeable touch of hoppiness and a faint yeasty nuance.
“Worst Beer” In the World.. Seriously??
Some UK publications have labeled Cass beer as the “worst beer” in the world. These harsh criticisms likely stem from comparisons with European beers that boast different brewing traditions and flavor profiles. It’s important to understand that beer is often driven by local culture, topography, weather and available resources. Cass Fresh, an adjunct lager brewed with hops and lower quantities of malt (substituted with corn starch) is designed to be an easy and fresh beer that pairs well with spicy Korean food.
While some may find it lacking complexity compared to European beers, They miss the point entirely judging it by that standard. Claiming it is the “worst beer in the world” is quite unjust. It’s just not about complex flavors or high price tags but about how well a beer integrates into the cultural and social fabric of its origin. Cass Fresh does this brilliantly, making it a staple in South Korean social settings.
I generally prefer rice-based lagers over corn-based lagers, I found Cass Fresh to be a refreshing option. Its smooth texture, lively citrus highlights, and gentle effervescence provide an overall solid performance as a light lager.
Thank you, Nirav, for being so thoughtful and bringing back this piece of South Korean culture. It was a delightful experience to explore, understand Cass Fresh Beer and I look forward to more such thoughtful gestures in the future 🙂
If you’re looking for a beer to pair with your next spicy Korean food adventure, Cass Fresh is a must-try.
Cass Fresh Beer is brewed by Oriental Brewery (OB), one of South Korea’s leading beer producers. OB was established in 1933 and has since played a significant role in shaping Korea’s beer industry. Acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2014, OB has continued to innovate while maintaining the classic appeal of its flagship brand, Cass.
Very nice to read so much Information about a glass of beer and everything about and around it. Wish I had a glass of beer while I read it…
Thanks Sonali.. For sure will get one next time we meet.