It’s not often that I step foot in my local M&S store, so when I last went in, I had to go and check out the non-alcoholic drinks section.
Although there wasn’t too much different to that of your other supermarkets (except the prices!), I did spot the non-alcoholic beer that is subject to testing in this review.
And it seems that M&S have teamed up with Adnams Brewery to create beers that can be sold under the M&S brand name in the form of a collaboration.
M&S X Adnams Low Alc. Pale Ale Initial Review
This drink comes in a 330 mL can, featuring a blue, silver and black can with a simple design. It’s nothing special, but it looks okay and fits with that of the M&S brand.
Serving suggestion says store in a cool, dry place, but I put this in the fridge 30 minutes prior to drink to give it a slight chill.
Upon opening, this was a fizz and a slight escape of bubbles out of the top of the can. However, it poured smoothly, and quickly settled in the glass, leaving just a very thin head and just a few bubbles present in the glass.
It is dark straw in colour, with a strong, distinctive aroma that is typical of pale ales. It does smell slightly malty, slightly floral and a hint a metallic.
Mouthfeel of this beer is average, but it is very gassy – not a surprise considering the opening! Where some beers feel too thin, this is okay, but bordering on the less viscous side of things.
The taste is dominated by a malty, bitter taste. It follows up with a hint of sweetness, coming with orange-flavoured undertones. Unfortunately, as you continue to drink this, the bitterness strengthens, making it an struggle to drink and an effort to enjoy.
Where Can You Buy M&S X Adnams Low Alc. Pale Ale?
Hardly a surprise, but this non-alcoholic beer is only available from M&S, so you will have to find an excuse to go into a local store to buy a can – if this review hasn’t put you off!
Low Alc. Pale Ale Ingredients, Nutritional Information and Calories
The ingredients in this beer are as follows:
Water, Malted Barley, Hops, Yeast & Carbon Dioxide
| Nutritional Information | Per 100 mL |
|---|---|
| ABV | 0.5% |
| Energy (KJ / KCal) | 77 / 18 |
| Fat (g) | 0.1 |
| Of Which Saturates (g) | <0.1 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 4.2 |
| Of Which Sugars (g) | 0.1 |
| Protein (g) | 0.3 |
| Salt (g) | 0.13 |
This product contains gluten.
Overall View
With M&S launching a non-alcoholic pale ale in partnership with Adnams looked to be an exciting prospect. Unfortunately, this pale ale is nothing special, if anything, more disappointing than anything.
Although it retains strong pale ale characteristics, it is far too bitter to enjoy. The presence of carbon dioxide in the ingredients may just be the cause of this, which makes you wonder why it is added considering how carbonated this drink was.
Maybe pick up a can to try for yourself, but I wouldn’t stock up too many before you’ve tried it!
