Two Pitchers "Water Boy" Radler

This being my second radler, I like to think I'm old hat at this. Well, I became old hat when I found that a radler is, apparently, just another name for a shandy. I guess the difference is that a radler can also have lime, but I'm not sure anyone would toss a shandy out just because it had lime in it, so I don't know. Maybe breweries are just trying to put something on the shelf that will attract attention. 

I really expected this to be a very watery-looking beverage. I mean, you're basically watering down a beer with lemon-lime-ade, right? So why is the tangerine-colored liquid so dang hazy? I guess lemonade is hazy on its own, so I've answered my own question. There's really no head, and that's not shocking. The aroma is much like dishwater that has lemon-scented dish soap mixed right in. So far... meh. But I'm thirsty.

First sip is kind of not great. It has the tang and tart of a lime-lemon-ade that doesn't have enough sugar, and it has the bitterness of an unbalanced lager. On top of that, it lingers on the tongue for way too long with watermelon. Look, this is supposed to be a light, refreshing beverage of a mere 4.2% ABV. It should have a flavor, and that flavor should be, generally, delightfully and forgettably nice. This isn't that. Maybe it will be in a swig.

Tip-in is very light carbonation fizzle with watermelon really feeling around the room with lime in tow. The middle is, as it should be, quite refreshing as it turns into a light lager with just hints of the fruit. Then the finish become tart with the fruit once again taking over and not letting go until the bitter trail off.

Bottom Line: Different is good, but being different alone doesn't make you good.

1.75/5