Hey there—bar is open. In this video I’m trying my second Finnish beer: Hartwall Aura Lager. My girlfriend brought it back from Finland (Arctic trip, lucky me), so I put it through my usual honest taste test—straight notes, no fluff. I also share a bit of what I found interesting about Finland’s alcohol rules: you can buy pretty much everything until 9 p.m., then it’s “long drinks” or 5% and below… and this one sits right on the edge at 5.2%. Price-wise, it’s not exactly cheap even over there—about 3–4 euros a can, and you’re getting a 500ml can at 5.2%. Pour-wise, I go a bit haphazard because I’d rather the foam form in the glass than in my stomach (less bloat, can drink more). Despite the black can, it pours a standard lager colour—orange-ish, very similar to the Olvi I reviewed before, with foam that takes a while to dissipate. On the palate, Aura is lighter than the Olvi. It’s slightly malty but noticeably bitter and hoppy, with a dry aftertaste that makes me thirsty. It’s not as enjoyable as the previous Finnish beer for me—personally I prefer it less “pahit” and more balanced—but if they’re aiming for bitter-and-dry, then yeah, they hit the nail on the head.