Here we are at the beginning of June with the final bottle of the 2021 vintage. I usually get a case plus a few. I’m in the habit of saying that this beer is annually one of the best value beers available in North America, and the 2021 vintage is no exception. A high quality BSDA, brewed by a brewer with a great pedigree for the style, and that used to come in at $4.99 a 750. Even at the $6.99 price tag of these days, it’s still great value.

Pour is close to black with a highly carbonated head. It disappears quickly to leave a thin, off-white film. Lace is minimal.

Nose and tastes have a lemonade effect going on in the background, with the drier alcohol and some darker fruits coming through on the back end. The ‘lemonade’ is a feature of this beer, and it is somewhat reminiscent of a shandy. This makes it slightly less BDSA, but at the same time highly drinkable.

A little prickly in the mouth and some aniseed notes. Some lemony-like, citrus bitterness right at the end. The older bottles of this that i have all have a sweetish, lemonade shandy feel about them. Very mellow.

I’ve loved this beer for many years, and always get a good supply each year, the value and the pedigree make it a great buy in North America.