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New beer fires high-carb shot at Atkins diet
Scott Craven
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 28, 2004 12:00 AM
In this ever-expanding world of Atkins followers, leave it to a beer company to provide the voice of reason.
No, not macro brewers such as Budweiser and Coors. They quickly caved to the low-carb trend, either touting their light beers or creating such patronizing brews as Michelob Ultra and Aspen Light (which are more like malt-flavored seltzer water).
The honor goes to Petaluma, Calif.-based brewer Lagunitas and its new XS (extra special) ale. Its label proudly proclaims it is "Guaranteed Fad-Diet Free." The label does not say how many carbs are contained within the 22-ounce bottle because those who buy it will not care. They are among the common-sense folk who know better than to order the salad at fast-food joints or the skinless chicken at a steakhouse.
XS is a decent gimmick ready to cash in on Atkins backlash, and for that alone is worth the (assumed) carb splurge just to make a statement. Fortunately, there is a good beer behind the gimmick.
XS has a rich, dark color and creamy head. The nose detects a pleasant bittersweet odor, but the beer's complexity is not revealed until it hits the back of the mouth.
At first XS releases a hoppy, somewhat smoky taste, but as the liquid runs over the tongue, you pick up a surprisingly sweet finish. It lasts just a few seconds as the bitterness reasserts itself in the aftertaste.
Lagunitas has established itself as a quality brewer and XS doesn't disappoint. This is not a "Just mowed the lawn and need a cold one" beer; this is a "Time to unwind and enjoy the moment" beer. With an alcohol content of 6.9 percent, you can unwind plenty.
XS sells for about $4 per bottle at Sun Devil and Top's Liquor stores in the Valley.
New beer fires high-carb shot at Atkins diet
Scott Craven
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 28, 2004 12:00 AM
In this ever-expanding world of Atkins followers, leave it to a beer company to provide the voice of reason.
No, not macro brewers such as Budweiser and Coors. They quickly caved to the low-carb trend, either touting their light beers or creating such patronizing brews as Michelob Ultra and Aspen Light (which are more like malt-flavored seltzer water).
The honor goes to Petaluma, Calif.-based brewer Lagunitas and its new XS (extra special) ale. Its label proudly proclaims it is "Guaranteed Fad-Diet Free." The label does not say how many carbs are contained within the 22-ounce bottle because those who buy it will not care. They are among the common-sense folk who know better than to order the salad at fast-food joints or the skinless chicken at a steakhouse.
XS is a decent gimmick ready to cash in on Atkins backlash, and for that alone is worth the (assumed) carb splurge just to make a statement. Fortunately, there is a good beer behind the gimmick.
XS has a rich, dark color and creamy head. The nose detects a pleasant bittersweet odor, but the beer's complexity is not revealed until it hits the back of the mouth.
At first XS releases a hoppy, somewhat smoky taste, but as the liquid runs over the tongue, you pick up a surprisingly sweet finish. It lasts just a few seconds as the bitterness reasserts itself in the aftertaste.
Lagunitas has established itself as a quality brewer and XS doesn't disappoint. This is not a "Just mowed the lawn and need a cold one" beer; this is a "Time to unwind and enjoy the moment" beer. With an alcohol content of 6.9 percent, you can unwind plenty.
XS sells for about $4 per bottle at Sun Devil and Top's Liquor stores in the Valley.