still choosing the lighter side

August in Madrid is not as quiet as it used to be, but sometimes timetables are not what you expect.  And when I say they aren't what you expect, I mean they aren't what Google tells you they are.  Gotta be flexible.  I was trying to hunt down some refreshment for the evening and everywhere I went was closed, although some places did promise to be open later tonight.  Fat lot of good that does me now!  Well, American convenience to the rescue.  Taste of America was open and while their beer selection isn't absolutely amazing, they have some interesting things to offer.  Moosehead's Grapefruit Radler, for example.  In spite if it cooling off some these last couple of days, I still feel like I want something light and fruity.  I'm a little unsure of what the beer itself will look like; the bottle is green and I have the impression that it is a pretty pale color in there, not the opaque juicy stuff that NEIPAs often are.  I mean, a NEIPA has nothing to do with a radler, but the experience of citrus can fool you if you're not paying attention. 

There is absolutely no tinge of pink grapefruit in the beer as poured out, really it's a lot like the helles from yesterday.  Seems to have many more bubbles, though.  The sweetish grapefruit aroma is definitely there, more soda-like than true beer.  I guess it's a matter of opinion whether a radler is true beer or not.  The first hit is also a lot like a soda, grapefruit but sugared grapefruit.  There is only the barest hint of bitterness sort of at the bottom of the flavor, trailing after the swallow.  It's not syrupy, which I'm thankful for today, and while sweeter than I was hoping for it does have a refreshing lightness.  No complaints from me.

summer citrus mix

When summer comes in full force it can influence certain decisions you make.  Like, what kind of refreshment you might take on a shimmery evening.  I was also looking for something reflecting 19th century tastes in beer, which were still fairly soft drink-y, so Sevebrau's Radler was just the perfect fit.  When I took it up to the counter the proprietor said, "You know that's a radler, right?"  How they know me and my heavy, dark tastes.  I reassured her that it had a purpose and off I went with it.

It's a very light color and practically crystal clear.  The lemon is noticeable immediately in the aroma, which is kind of soda-like, but definitely less sugar-backed.  It's more of a natural or organic lemonade scent.  The flavor is right in line with that, very lemon soda-y, although a grainy lager taste comes through almost in the aftertaste.  It's very light feeling, clean as befitting the appearance, and while the flavor is identifiable and not weak at all, it isn't overwhelming in any way.  It's a very relaxing drink, one that goes quite well with temperatures that we get warned about on the weather apps.  It also has a traditional sort of feel, something that doesn't have to try too hard to be noticed, like many German lagers have.  Years ago I tried one of Seve's early lagers and commented that it was a real reminder of those lagers in Germany.  He was pleased to hear it.  I think he'd be pleased to hear that the Radler continues that tradition.

Supplier: Birra Y Paz

Price: €3.25

sunrise again

Well, now we can go wander around, and even spend time inside our old favorite bars, with our old favorite beers.  It's officially summer now and everything, so most of us look for something lighter and more refreshing than at other times of year.  I cheated a little and just went to the supermarket for my beer this week; but it's Arriaca, something nice, and I know they make some good lighter beers.  Who's to say a radler wouldn't be good from them?

It looks very normal, like a pretty standard beer, but there's a little lemon snap in the aroma.  It's just a little cloudy, like pure lemon juice is working in there instead of just lemon drink (it's not lemon soda from what I can see).  The head is fizzy and bright, but dies down quickly.  It's an odd blend of sweet lemonade with a sweetish, grainy beer.  The beer part has a rounded feel, rolling down the throat, but the lemon sticks around, giving the tongue some little pokes.  The lemon is also front and center at the first sip, but clears the way for the grain in the middle, just after the swallow.  And then, you notice how the lemon refuses to leave, like a lemon candy more than a lemonade.  While a summery beverage, it's a little sweeter and candy-like than a truly refreshing beer should be, but the taste is enjoyable and not too sticky after all.  I'm not going to complain.  There are several months of heat for complaining.