December 11, 2019
Bundaberg Spiced Ginger Beer | A Review
One of the giants of the ginger beer universe, Bundaberg brought their famous ginger beer to market sixty years ago. But in 2013 they began development of a limited brew inspired by the flavors of the holiday season. A year later their Spiced Ginger Beer hit store shelves and became an immediate success. Ever since, it has appeared as Christmas approaches and, like Santa, disappears afterwards, leaving the anticipation to build until the following year.
All Bundaberg varieties arrive in a 12.7-ounce (375ml), squat, brown glass bottle with their elaborate, swooping logo arching over the top of the label. This special edition carries a deep red field bordered in a pine green with a star adorning a narrowing stack of brewing barrels, the shape conjuring images of Christmas trees. The effect of the capable design does double duty: celebrates the holiday season and holds true to the classic Bundaberg branding.
Inside there’s 170 calories which proportions to about 160 for a 12-ounce serving. Carbonated water forms the foundation of the beverage but there’s yeast included as well so some fermenting occurred at some point. Sweetness comes from cane sugar and the ginger flavor is thanks to ginger root. Cinnamon and clove add to the taste as does the touch of citric acid. A couple of preservatives are included, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. Vitamin C plays antioxidant.
A thick fizz builds as the ginger beer pours with a color that’s just a shade darker than a typical ginger beer. Sediment meanders throughout. The nose is lively and bright with the smells of sweet ginger and spices. Christmas immediately enters the mind.
It’s quite sweet right from the start, preceding the burst of ginger and spices. Hovering within is an excellent balance of aromatic cloves and the bite of cinnamon. The ginger blends seamlessly, giving the faintest hint at heat but absent of prickles. The sweetness is considerable but it too falls perfectly in balance and advances the seasonal taste. The spices carry through the finish as does the sugary sweet.
The flavor profile seems reminiscent of mulled drinks, yuletide teas or baked apples and entirely captures the atmosphere of the season. Pour a glass or mix a drink. It begs to be drunk while under a blanket near the hearth, surrounded by the family who will feel such delight at the gifts you’ve delicately wrapped for them. Bundaberg Spiced Ginger Beer doesn’t just suit the season, it elevates it.
Final Decision: First Tier – Exceptional
Purchased locally at World Market
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