3 / 5
Lowtide - Atomic Blonde
The Bath brewery has created a limited edition Belgian blonde beer, with the twist of it being made using apricots. The hops are Yellow Sub and Pacifica, whilst the grains include oat, wheat and pils malt. There's a touch of spices in the mix too. The ale is delivered from a 440 ml can, has a declared ABV of < 0.5 % and it is a vegan product. Pouring the beer creates a very modest white head which soon subsides and the nose is strongly of sweet apricots, as if you have just opened a jar of conserve. With all that apricot puree used in its production it's no surprise that the dominant taste is of apricot but with an undertow of honey and orange. Maybe a hint of butter as well, but I don't detect any spicy element. The mouthfeel is certainly soft and creamy whilst the finish is pleasantly sweet. The flavour profile is simple but effective and it is an easy-drinking beer with a low hop character and a light body.