College students have long considered beer to be one of nature’s basic food groups. Now they have good reason.
No longer are barley and hops the true essence of a tasty brew’s splendor. Curious flavors have been making headway in recent years and endearing themselves to enthusiasts who enjoy wetting their palettes with something a bit out of the ordinary.
One such concoction is Wells Banana Bread Beer, brewed by Wells and Young’s Brewing Company in the U.K.
When I was first introduced to it, I wrinkled my nose at the thought of it touching my tongue. But when I stuck my sniffer up to the glass, it was surprisingly mouthwatering.
The aroma of fresh-baked banana bread wafted through my nostrils, begging me to take a sip. Once I conceded, it tasted great. But just to be sure, another drink. All too soon it was gone.
Pleasing to the eye as well as the taste buds, it has a light amber color like that of the resin used to preserve small bugs for souvenir sales. It doesn’t boast a large head and what little it has, about a half-inch, dissipates quickly.
It has a medium body – not too light, not too heavy – and has an alcohol volume of 5.2 percent.
Initially, the taste has a ripe banana peel flavor infused with a hint of vanilla and a slight nuttiness. Sounds like banana bread, right? It finishes smooth and dry, not hoppy tasting.
Not a highly carbonated beverage, it doesn’t have the hiccup-inducing quality that other beers have when consumed in large amounts. I would definitely recommend adding it to the beer drinker’s bucket list.
Available on tap and in the bottle, it isn’t widely accessible as far as I’ve seen – and I have looked. However, it can be found on draught at Sidetrack Bar and Grill in Depot Town and in bottle form at a few local party stores.
If and when you find it, drink responsibly and of course, enjoy.
Wells Banana Bread Beer on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being awesome
Appearance: 4
Aroma: 5
Taste: 5
Overall: 4.7
