So I’m walking through the aisles of my local beverage store and happen upon a gift pack of Left Hand Brewing Co beers. It contained some brews of theirs I have been dying to sample and included a glass, so I grabbed it without thinking twice.
The first beer I’m choosing to sample is their Juju Ginger. An ale brewed with ginger this seemed the most intriguing to me. I’ve have had ginger root straight up in Asian dishes and often times it is used as a palate cleaner in between courses. It is lethal in large doses and can really pack a punch. I was a little hesitant during my pour, but the result was simply astonishing.
I was impressed by the color with its orange-pale hue. The ABV is a whopping 4.0% which I did not expect. When you get down to basics this is beer is a light bodied ale, but the ginger really makes this beer stand out. I’ve never experienced something like this before. The ginger was apparent from the onset of pouring. I currently have a cold and the ginger aroma helped to alleviate my congestion. Now, please do not hear me as saying it was like a medicinal Vick’s vapor rub aroma. It was simply refreshing and gave a little jump to my step. The ginger was not overpowering but blended perfect with the malts and hops of which I could smell.
The taste was perfectly cleansing. It was simple and laid back, yet not lacking the components that make up a great beer. The ginger provided the refreshing aspect with a little spiciness throughout the sip. The hops gave a wonderful kick at the end letting you know there was some bitterness. The malts were light, but stood out in the aftertaste with hints of caramel and breadiness (if that’s a word). I would recommend this beer for progressive dinners, in between five course meals, or just chillin’ with friends on a summer’s day. It was very rejuvenating.
ABV: 4.0%
Grade: A