Looking through the shelves of my local Asda (other supermarkets are available) for low alcohol beers I spotted this one amongst some of the better-known ones. A single hopped (with Citra) pale ale at 0.5% seemed to fit the bill and offer great promise, perfect for our early January reviews.
I have enjoyed some good draft and bottled beers from Saltaire Brewery so this was one I just had to try…
- Name : Northern Light
- Brewery : Saltaire Brewery Ltd, Shipley, West Yorkshire
- Hops : Citra
- Grain : Malted barley and oats
- Aroma : Faint citrus
- Appearance : Golden, clear but produced no head
- Body : Medium bodied, quite reasonable for a low alcohol beer and medium carbonated
- Taste : The citrus comes through but also with a touch of burnt caramel. Quite dry with a slightly off chemical tang to the finish
- Dietary restrictions : None claimed, allergens in bold on the label
I was somewhat disappointed with this beer. Low alcohol beers have improved significantly in recent times but this tasted like one of ten years ago, perfectly drinkable but there are many better on the market.
A single hop variety is a bold move and to be applauded. Yes, the Citra hopping came through but overall, it was out of balance and had an unpleasant tang to it which was a great shame. One I am unlikely to revisit.
Our overall rating: 2.8/ 5.0
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 