Narragansett Del's Shandy. Providence, Rhode Island. Fruit/Vegetable Beer//Radler. 5% ABV.
I had this beer for the first time right when it came out earlier this year (but I only got a single can). Back in MA, I managed to get a six-pack for Fourth of July weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a great blend of a classic lager (Narragansett) and a famous lemonade (Del's) that I hadn't tried in probably 15 years (going back to Pawtucket Red Sox games at McCoy Stadium in RI). On to the review.
Served chilled straight from the 16 oz can. We did pour a little bit out to examine the color, which was a clear golden. Smells are of lemon and malt. The carbonation is medium and there is a pretty light feel to it. The lemonade taste is strong, but the traditional lager is very apparent as well. It doesn't taste fake either (remember my bad experience with Hell or High Watermelon). Aftertaste is limited; a bit of lemon lingers but overall finishes crisp and dry.
I typically put down shandies, but I really enjoy this. It is so easy to drink, and has a great and historic lemonade mixed into it. I'm not surprised that it scores in the 70s on BA, given the negative reputation shandies have in craft beer circles. However, I am not ashamed to admit that I could drink this often, and I probably will this summer. I've spoken with a few beer store owners, and they confirmed that this stuff is flying off the shelves. For under $9/six-pack (remember it is 16 oz cans too) this is a great deal.
84/100
Enjoy the pics below. Found my shots from a few previous tastings. One has a cup to show the color. I especially like the one with the double decker bus in the background.
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