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The Great Lime Debate!
Colin Jack, Copyright 2010
Contrary to what most people think, lime beers have been around for a long time. Recently the lime beer phenomenon has sparked a lot of interest, especially this time of year when the hot and humid weather looms. Leading the charge is Bud Light Lime backed by a huge marketing push and of course it is part of the Budweiser family, the most widely consumed beer in the world. Bud Light Lime flew off the shelves last year when it made its debut, not surprisingly several lime beers have come on the market to lap up some of the success.
The Great Lime Debate should not be taken too seriously. For true beer connoisseurs, most lime beers will not offer much more than a quick pass through of your fridge or cooler at a party. It definitely appears that lime beers are here to stay with more and more appearing on the shelves. Fortunately, most local brewers have avoided the temptation of lime beer.
Here is a list of lime beers currently available in BC:
Big Rock Lime – Big Rock Brewing Company , 4%, $21.75 for 12 x 341 bottles
I first tasted the Big Rock Lime on my cross Canada brewery tour last August. I have to admit that I was somewhat reluctant because I found other lime beers on the market not to my liking. Surprisingly, Big Rock Lime taste like beer with a hint of lime. It is well balanced, crisp and refreshing.
Pepper Lime Lager - Dead Frog Brewery , 5%, $11.75 for 6 x 341 ml bottles
Pepper Lime Lager is very different from the other beers on the list. The lime is very subtle (and so is the pepper) only coming through in the finish. In fact, some people will require several sips before they recognize the lime flavour. It is nicely balanced with a hint of fire but there is relatively no sweetness associated with this beer.
Bud Light Lime – Labatt Brewing Company, 4%, $24.99 for 12 x 330 bottles
Bud Light Lime is the most expensive lime beer and the best selling lime beer on the market. This will definitely appeal to non-beer drinkers and people who enjoy sweet beer that almost does not taste like beer. Obviously the reputation of Budweiser and Bud Light has helped this beer sales grow quickly. It is also backed by a huge marketing push and last year it barely lasted on the shelves. Very sweet, somewhat syrupy and the lime is ever-present and overwhelming.
Miller Chill , 4%, $23.49 for 12 x 341 bottles
Miller Chill is a little more Big Rock Lime and a little less Bud Light Lime. In other words, this beer taste like a light beer with some sweetness of lime. It is definitely lighter on the palate and less syrupy. Unfortunately, the overall impression is a slightly tangy and sweet beer that is somewhat watery. If you enjoy Bud Light Lime but find it a little too sweat, you should definitely give Miller Chill a chance in your fridge.
Lime Lager – Russell Brewing Company, 5%, $11.50 for 6 x 341 bottles
Lime Lager from Russell Brewing is definitely tangier than sweet compared to Bud Light Lime and Miller Chill. It also has more beer flavour than Big Rock Lime. It remains refreshing while still maintaining full lager essence. This beer currently is only available in private liquor stores and cold beer and wine stores. A bit of a shame because compared to some of the competition, it could definitely make more believers out of lime beer opponents.
If you are still searching for the perfect lime beer try grabbing your favourite lager and squeezing some fresh lime directly in the glass first and then pour your beer in. 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice to a full bottle of beer will give you a nice hint of lime while not becoming overwhelming or sickly sweat.
Food Pairings: Lime beer is fairly versatile, especially depending on which beer you choose. Sweeter lime beers will pair nicely with light white fish and sweet BBQ sauce. More robust lime beer will compliment tangy BBQ sauce, pulled pork and chips and salsa.
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