Marston's Low C Beer

...blue label on it, with Marston's Low'C in a kind of 1920s typeface. There are some bits of hop and barley in a motif underneath and "Lower Calorie Beer" printed underneath. The next wrapper shows the alcoholic content is a respectable 4.7 alcohol by volume (ABV) and that the ingredients are Golding and Fuggle hops. Top marks for the presentation - I was impressed enough to buy it. The contents equate to 275ml and the bottle top is not on ...
...CONCLUSION
I sincerely admire Marston's for launching a beer that can complement a calorie-controlled diet, but I must admit that I find the whole idea of calorie control a bit depressing, as so much of the foodstuffs designed with this aim in mind are lacking in taste. I cannot help thinking that eating should be a pleasure and drink, by logical surmise, a worthy accompaniment. This, to my mind, serves the dieting world well, but no beer ... more

I was in Morrison’s earlier, perusing the beer shelves when I came across something I had not seen before, namely low-calorie beer. I was intrigued by it, as I am putting in a concerted effort to lose weight. I do like my tipple and if I can continue with that as well as achieve my aforesaid objective, then I shall be very happy indeed.

THE BREWERY
Marston Thompson and Evershed plc in Burton-on-Trent has some vast experience thought its historical amalgamations and various acquisitions. I shall avoid going into too much detail, save to mention some of its other more well-known brews, which are the likes of Owd Rodger, Pedigree, Oyster Stout and India Export Ale (incidentally I got to know that cracking Owd Rodger intimately at The Royal Standard of England public house in Knotty Green, near Beaconsfield, Bucks, where it was originally brewed). The company has other business involving the licensed trade, including managing and letting taverns and wholesaling other beverages. Its tavern businesses account for more than its brewing, not surprisingly.

THE BOTTLE
This beer is sold in a brown bottle with a blue label on it, with Marston's Low'C in a kind of 1920s typeface. There are some bits of hop and barley in a motif underneath and "Lower Calorie Beer" printed underneath. The next wrapper shows the alcoholic content is a respectable 4.7 alcohol by volume (ABV) and that the ingredients are Golding and Fuggle hops. Top marks for the presentation - I was impressed enough to buy it. The contents equate to 275ml and the bottle top is not on a screw-thread, so I recommend an opener. Nutrition information is clearly listed on the rear label, which I scarcely need to reprint here, save to mention the brew provides a mere 85Kcal per bottle.

MARSTON SAYS
"A refreshing premium beer, Low'C is brewed to a unique recipe and then double fermented to leave it naturally lower in sugar. As a result, Low'C has 25% fewer calories than equivalent strength premium beers". It also adds: "Can help slimming or weight control only as part of a calorie controlled diet".

THE POUR
The top is removed to a slight whisper of escaping gas, so there's not a great deal of carbonation. The smell from inside the bottle is elusive. Pouring reveals a caramel coloured light beer with a slow-forming head and few bubbles.

AROMA
There is absolutely the tiniest metallic whiff, which is odd considering the bottle. Other than that, it's remarkably demure. I was surprised.

TASTE
I was hard pressed to divine much taste from this beer. It is neither sharp nor particularly flavourful, considering its caramel appearance. The head bears no further hints. Served at around 6 deg C, I found the beer to be passable and refreshing, yet devoid of any enjoyable taste. It is therefore quite two-dimensional and a bit of a let-down.

CONCLUSION
I sincerely admire Marston's for launching a beer that can complement a calorie-controlled diet, but I must admit that I find the whole idea of calorie control a bit depressing, as so much of the foodstuffs designed with this aim in mind are lacking in taste. I cannot help thinking that eating should be a pleasure and drink, by logical surmise, a worthy accompaniment. This, to my mind, serves the dieting world well, but no beer drinker worth his half-pint leather-bound tankard. As to the price, I have unfortunately forgotten, such a memorable beer experience this has been. Not that it matters - I would avoid it if I were you.
 

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