Dutch Gold
- For the metal alloy see Tombac.
Dutch Gold is a popular low-cost import lager beer in the Republic of Ireland. It retails at a cost of seven euro for six 500ml cans, and this attractive price, along with its smooth, mellow, almost oak-like flavour is the reason for its popularity. Its manufactuers describe it as "made from the finest malted barley, hops and pure water - Dutch Gold is a premium continental lager beer".
Dutch Gold is sold in many forms, the most popular being the classic "six of seven" package. However of late, due to recent incursions by rival beer manufactures looking to muscle into the lucrative Irish low-cost beer market, Dutch Gold is now sold in both "Four for Five" and "Twelve for Fourteen" formats. This daring strategy should see Dutch Gold cement itself as the Irish Republic's most popular cheap beer.
The beer is brewed and canned in the EU under license of and distributed by Zuidhollandse Bierbrouwerij, actually the name of a non-existent brewery, the real producer for many years having been Oranjeboom of Breda in the Netherlands, which closed down in 2004. It contains an alcohol volume of approximately 4.2%.
Despite it being apparently brewed and canned in the Netherlands, very few Dutch people drink it or have even heard of it. Dutch Gold's continued existence and popularity are threatened due to new competitors in the already flooded '6 for 7' market. Tuborg, another cheap import beer from Denmark, is becoming increasingly popular amongst Dutch Gold's original fanbase. Bavaria, made by Bavaria Brewery, another Dutch import, is another rival. A new Czech competitor in the form of Praszky has become a recent threat. Amsterdam Lager, while not being found in a particularly high proportion of off-licenses, adheres to the 'six for seven' ideal and also has its base of loyal brand consumers. On the non-beer front, Dutch Gold is sometimes perceived as losing ground to Druids Celtic Cider, a strong and economical alternative.