Tryanuary 2024: Bud Lime (0.3% ABV)

Hello and welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimists,

When I saw this can on the shelves of a discount store for one pound it hardly filled me with confidence that it was going to be any good. However, as I studied the can a little more I realised that this beer is brewed by the Czech based brewery Budvar. Still, I approached with caution, but as we are in the middle of our January 2024 alcohol free/low alcohol specials I thought why not?

 What is that famous saying……He who dares. Let’s do this!

1. Name : Bud Lime

2. Brewery: Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic)

3. Hops :  Not stated

4. Grain :  Barley, malt & Yeast

5. Aroma : Has a fruity aroma that has a surprising amount going on. On the nose you get a zesty lime with a soft fruit backbone. Gives off vibes of a fruit juice rather than a beer.

6. Appearance : Pours a hazy straw colour with a one finger white head and good levels of carbonation. Looks pretty good in the glass.

7. Body : Light body with an easy drinking mouthfeel

8. Taste : If this was presented to me in a blind taste test I would have said that it was quite a nice fruit juice rather than a beer. Initial flavour is of zesty lime then this makes way to a softer fruit yet quite dry finish with the addition of mango juice into the brew. 

Well, I am not sure where to start other than by saying this isn’t a bad drink, (note I said drink rather than beer.) The aroma is of a mixed fruit juice which transitions in the taste with natural lime and mango juice adding something a little different to what I was expecting. 

This is quite a refreshing drink and would be a perfect drink (sorry beer) to have in the warmer months whilst sat in the garden catching some rays. As a winter drink it is still quite pleasant and certainly better than what I was expecting. If you approach this thinking Um Bongo rather than mmmmmnnnn Budvar than you might enjoy what is put in front of you. 

Certainly not what you would call a beer but looks decent in the glass and wouldn’t be too bad for those looking to cut back a bit. It might not appeal to all but it’s certainly worth a try.

Our overall rating: 2.9/ 5.0