As a working parent and all-around busy person, one of the recent beer trends I’m delighted to see has been the growth of low alcohol craft beer. I have stuff I need to do, I can’t afford a hangover, and picking up my kid from daycare with a serious buzz on is generally frowned upon.
That’s why emerging beer styles like radlers are a godsend. Generally below 3% ABV, radlers (as well as their English cousin, the shandy) offer a delicious craft beer experience with half the alcohol. After all, just because I don’t want to get shittered, doesn’t mean I don’t want a beer. I’m awake. I definitely want a beer.
Vancouver Island Brewing has taken the radler concept to the next level with Magic Hour, combining it with another one of my favourite emerging beer styles, the gose. Gose (pronounced go-zuh) is a slightly salted sour wheat ale from Eastern Germany that’s tart, refreshing and lively, with a unique minerality. The addition of grapefruit juice makes this beer even more crushable—it’s basically a near-virgin paloma. And the best part is, you can drink a four-pack and still function.
If you’re over 30 and you’re not ready to give up craft beer to be contributing member of society, this is what your summer is going to taste like.
Magic Hour Grapefruit Gose by Vancouver Island Brewing
2.4% ABV • 473 mL tall cans
Appearance: Hazy, straw yellow with a fleeting white head.
Aroma: Lactic, citrus, wheat,
Flavour: Tart but not overly acidic, citrus, grapefruit, wheat, bold minerality.
Body/Finish: Light bodied with a tart, salty finish.
Pairs with: Ceviche, tequila (OMG YES!) and long days at the beach.
- The Spring 2019 issue of The Growler is out now! You can find B.C.’s favourite craft beer guide at your local brewery, select private liquor stores, and on newsstands across the province.
