Modus brought out their Cerveza at a time when a few other Aussie breweries did the same. But no one else doubled down on the theme with more drinks that would fit right in on a sunny street corner in Mexico. First they released their Tepache; now you’ll find Ginger Beer and Double Lemon alongside them.
Ginger Beer isn’t anything new of course, but I must say this may be the driest ginger beer I’ve ever had. From the first sniff there’s a good gingery spice kick – and maybe a hint of citrus? – but without the sugary accompaniment that’s pretty standard in ginger beers. Give me a glass of this with a wedge of lime (in the glass) and a bowl of corn chips with guac (not in the glass) and leave me by the pool. I’ll still be there when you get back.
With the Double Lemon, I was expecting something familiar. But I was surprised again. This tastes more grown-up than most hard lemon drinks; it’s not just booze dressed up as sugary soft drink. It has an aromatic, pungent lemon peel character, complete complete with complexity and bitterness. It’s drier than I expected, allowing the taste of alcohol and fermentation to peep through, though it’s still worryingly refreshing for a six-percenter. Limonada Refresco, indeed.
And if you’re trying to pass this little Mexican jaunt off as a health retreat, both are marked as being gluten free, lower sugar, and containing nothing artificial.
Mick Wüst
Published September 19, 2024 2024-09-19 00:00:00
