May 29, 2019
D&G Genuine Jamaican Ginger Beer | A Review
Owned today by Pepsi, D&G soft drinks was originally the result of two men: Eugene Desnoes and Thomas Geddes. A passion for soft drinks overtook each, and from that grew forth two competing soda companies. The two men eventually saw potential for great things in each other so a merger was conceived and in 1918 Desnoes & Geddes Company Limited was born. Together they moved beyond soda. Distributing imported liquors came next and they even created the popular Red Stripe beer.
On their current roster of products sits their 225-calorie Jamaican Ginger Beer, rooted in triple-filtered carbonated water and sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Natural and artificial flavors come together to provide taste, including Jamaican ginger extract. Brominated vegetable oil swims within as an agent keeping the liquid from separating. More promising-sounding ingredient lists exist yet this ginger beer is not to be discounted.
The label hugging this 12-ounce, heritage-style bottle lacks appealing design. It’s dull in color, suffers gaping leading between “JAMAICAN” and “GINGER BEER,” and the mascot lacks charisma. It looks budget, unable to inspire confidence in the quality of the product inside.
On the tongue the ginger hits almost immediately, feeling as a vapor, floating on the carbonation to brush up against every part of the mouth. A deep sweetness drifts down the tongue as spices tickle the tip. Gentle prickles linger there and at the back of the mouth. They hang on through the finish.
Deep layers of flavor don’t exist here. Neither is there a drawn out progression to it but complexity isn’t synonymous with good. The modest heat plays well with the generous sweetness. Both mesh with a selection of background flavors and plenty of ginger to form a traditional Jamaican ginger beer that’s anything but standard. Never mind the label. Never mind the ingredients. This brew far exceeds expectations.
Final Decision: First Tier – Exceptional
Purchased locally at: HEB
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