Eliminate that Crabby Feeling with Crabbie’s Original Ginger Beer

I love beer. That should go without saying and my beverage consumption in a typical month easily backs up my claim. But I am not opposed to the occasional diversion from beer in the purest sense and I have been known to consume malt coolers and other flavored beers, just for a change of pace and the refreshment they often bring. One “beer” product I am sampling for the first time and enjoying very much is Crabbies Original Ginger Beer, a product of Scotland.

“Beer” Bio:

Beverage Style: Ginger Beer

Calories: 255 per 11.2 ounce bottle

Carbs: 24 grams

Alcohol Content: 4.8 percent by volume

 

Poured from its brown bottle, Crabbies Original Ginger Beer takes on a light golden hue, very similar to the color of ginger ale, and the body is crystal clear. The nose on this product is one of ginger and other spices. There is a nice amount of frothy foam at first, but it settles into place quickly, still managing to leave a small amount of lace on the glass.

 

Crabbies Original Ginger Beer offers the taste of ginger and spice. The ginger flavor is obvious from the first sip and is accompanied by other light spices and mild citrus. The ginger character is quite warming and you can feel a light burn as you swallow, but it is easily overtaken by the beverage’s refreshing character.

 

Crabbies Original Ginger Beer is brewed with 4 “top secret” ingredients along with steeped ginger imported from the Far East. The ginger is steeped for up to eight weeks to produce its pronounced, spicy taste. Crabbie’s originates in Scotland and includes three other, fruit- enhanced flavors for your drinking enjoyment. The manufacture recommends serving over ice with a slice of lemon or lime for the best tasting experience.

 

My Experience

 

Crabbies Original Ginger Beer is a new tasting experience for the staff here at Great Beer Now. We have tasted ginger beer before, but I can say that it has been some time since I sampled a beverage of this style and as I recall, my previous experience was only so- so. I was concerned that Crabbies would present yet another ho- hum ginger beer experience and I was skeptical before I even popped the cap.

 

So, how does Crabbies Original Ginger Beer measure up? Well, let’s just say I was hooked from the start and I completely renounced my previous, negative ginger beer tasting as an obvious fluke. This product, while certainly not an actual beer, is a tasty beverage nonetheless and the most striking component at first is, not surprisingly, the spicy flavor and freshness of the ginger. Crabbies likes to brag that it doesn’t skimp on quality and I can certainly concur. The ginger flavor is fresh and delicious and there are other, somewhat peppery spices lurking in the background for an all- around spicy treat.

 

One important thing to note is that, while the spices in this beverage do, indeed, make their presence known, they do not reach any extreme level of hotness, so do not worry. I have heard some people describe the sensation imparted by this beverage as a burning feeling going down the throat. I agree there is a feeling of warmth, but it doesn’t come anywhere near the sensation of biting into a hot pepper or consuming something similar. The burn is slight, so don’t sweat it.

 

Besides the spiciness, the other great quality of Crabbies Original Ginger Beer is its refreshment! I cannot emphasize this strongly enough- the refreshing character is impeccable and it seems like a great beverage for a hot day. Served over ice with a slice of lemon or lime makes an already refreshing drink even better and the lemon or lime matches nicely with the flavor because it already has a light citrus character. One interesting thing to point out is that, while certainly a perfect drink for a hot day, the warming characteristics make it almost equally tasty as a cold weather beverage. I cannot think of many beverages that match up so well in any temperature extreme and it definitely adds to the product’s uniqueness.

 

The Verdict

 

I usually prefer regular beer as my beverage of choice, but I am very happy I took the time to broaden my horizons and try Crabbies Original Ginger Beer. It may not be able to take the place of my favorite IPA or oatmeal stout, but it is most assuredly a beverage worth trying. Its refreshing character and the delicious taste of fresh, warming ginger and other spices make it a great drink for hot weather, cold weather, or your next social engagement. Try it- you and the guests you serve will not be disappointed.

 

 

Rating: 8 Cheers out of 10