Foster's Radler is a new beer that combines Foster's lager with lemon. When I was at Asda the other day I noticed this because they were giving way free samples so I picked up this 4 pack which cost me£2.50. Each 300ml bottle is 2% alc/vol and 0.6 units.
I am not huge fan of lager unless it is quite weak and/or flavoured with lemon or lime and fortunately for me this seems to be a growing trend in the UK, although sadly we are still yet to get my favorite Bud Light Lime over here (please Budweiser! I beg you!). Interestingly enough there was something similar from Foster's called Foster's Twist a few years back but it was withdrawn and I can only assume that this was because it wasn't very successful which is a shame because I love these flavoured lagers and I bet it would do really well if they were to bring it back.
Apparently Radler is the German word for Cyclist and according to this Talking Retail article Radler beers date back to the 1920's when cyclists were served a beer mixed with lemon juice when they stopped for a rest in the Austrian Alps...not sure that I would fancy a lager after that, perhaps a glass of water might be more refreshing?!
I am not planning on any epic cycling trips in the Alps but as yesterday evening was one of the few light and dry evenings that we have had in months; this put me in the mood for mid-week drink which is as unusual as the nice weather!
It smelt mostly of lemons with just a hint of the lager coming through and this was reflected in the taste. I was expecting something a bit more like a shandy but it was like a cloudy lemonade with just a hint of beer. It wasn't overly sweet and had a slightly bitter after taste but it was a good combination. It wasn't very fizzy so you don't get that bloated feeling like you do with a normal lager and I found it really refreshing. I got Mr Review Addict to try one of these too, I wasn't sure that he would like it because it might seem a bit girly drinking a 2% alc/vol lemon flavoured beer; but as he pointed out, it way more manly than drinking an alco-pop and he must have enjoyed it because he asked me to buy more when I go shopping next!
Verdict
A great twist on a lager. If you like strong beers then this is probably not for you, but if you are just after something a bit more refreshing and easy to drink then this may well be up your street. I personally will be buying Foster's Radler again for both myself and Mr Review Addict. I can just see myself sat out in the garden chilling and drinking one of these...if we do get a summer this year!
