There is a category of alcohol that is widely underrated in my opinion and that’s an alcoholic ginger beer. While this is technically not a beer, it is a drink dating back centuries that most of us might know as a soft drink or a soda, but was actually originally brewed as an alcoholic beverage.
When we got a chance to try out the latest release from indie brewers, Ampersand Projects, we jumped at the chance to try their new creation. Our Aussie contributor had a case delivered to his place and had a chance to try it out.
READ MORE: We speak to master brewer Charlie Hodgson from Helios Brewing Company about the growing craft beer industry
What is alcoholic ginger beer?
Before we get to the review, we thought it might be a good lesson to share a bit more about alcoholic ginger beer for those who might not know. So ginger beer is created with ginger from the beginning and can be brewed with varying levels of alcohol. Technically (the experts say) it is more of a cider than a beer, but we won’t get into all of that.
Ginger beer is made from fermenting ginger, sugar, and water, although most commercial ginger beers you are aware of nowadays are non-alcoholic.
The ginger beer that is most commonly known originates from England in the 1700s and gained popularity over time. The Victorians found it to be an exotic drink that was often drunk with a wedge of lime just like today.
The difference between ginger beer and ginger ale
There’s an important distinction here. Ginger beer is made using real ginger and fermented to give it that fizz, while ginger ale is a non-alcoholic, sweetened beverage that is ginger-flavoured. This means that it does not necessarily contain real ginger, but is flavoured as such.
In our experience, ginger beer is stronger-tasting and spicier than ginger ale, but less carbonated.
The review
Promising an amazing ginger beer taste with low sugar, Ginger & by Ampersand Projects has provided me with a very chill way to end a very not-so-chill week.
This beverage serves ginger beer aficionados with a characteristic spice that’s strong enough to be remembered, but not so strong that it puts you off. Combined with a subtle sweetness and soda-like fizz, Ginger & manages to mix all my favourite parts of ginger beer into one.
It’s rare to find alcohol content in either ginger ale or ginger beer nowadays, so if you’re looking for a ginger beer with alcohol content, this can of Ginger & has a 4.0% alcohol/volume equating to about 1.1 standard drinks. Ampersand Projects clearly had the health-conscious in mind when designing this product, as its label boasts low sugar and no gluten.
I love the packaging – the cans, which are a standout yellow-and-black, feel sturdy and easy to throw across the room to your mates (though I would like to say in writing that I do not recommend throwing cans of ginger beer across the room to your mates).
The playful sturdiness of the design reflects my experience with the actual flavour of the ale. The drink feels light, and inviting and is very easy to drink – it’s perfect for a casual catch-up after a long day at work. It’s like drinking alcoholic soda, but with that signature ginger bite.
Grab yourself a case here.
Final verdict
Our reviewer David could not stop raving about this and is officially a convert now and you can expect him to be buying more alcoholic ginger beer for his parties and even for a casual afternoon drink.
There is something to take note of though, you have to like the taste of ginger, as you might have guessed from the name, it is the primary flavour profile. But if you, and you like a refreshing drink with a kick, then this is definitely for you.
