Radler

A festive season is approaching, but for the moment, a lighter beer might be the most appropriate. I am saving up the darkness for the near future, when I intend to wallow, wallow, wallow, so even a radler is acceptable as a nice contrast. To be honest, I don’t see too many craft radlers or shandies, although they are around, sours seem to be the fashion of our time if you want to get away from strong bitterness. So, it was somewhat surprising to see Bidassoa standing innocently on the shelf. They’ve been around for a while, so I guess it’s time to try even these commercial creations.

It pours out like the fizzy drink that it really is, although with a good whiff of musk. The bright white head dissolves into a thin mat pretty quickly. The taste is sharp and summery, very sweet lemonade at first with a mildly bitter beer chaser. It feels very full at first, the sweetness probably makes you think the beer is heavier than it really is, but once you swallow it doesn’t leave much behind. To be honest, it’s a little too sweet for me and a little too sticky when in the mouth. As a more equinoxial beer I think it would do fine, but while summer is still strong I would actually be happier with something a little more bitter or foresty. Or a stout, always a stout.

Supplier: Hop Hop Hurrah
Price: €2.65