Wilkenburger Royal
Brauerei Gilde

"Das Prickelnd Frische". This is quite an unusual beer that's marketed as a kind of malternative to the young and hip crowd with some fairly sexy advertising. It's labeled "Alkoholhaltiges Mischegetrank" which loosely translates as "mixed drink with alcohol" as it doesn't even come close to meeting the Reinheitsgebot! It's intended to be perceived as a cross between a beer and Champagne - and it actually delivers on that! It's very light straw in color with a short-lived bright white head that drops to a thin creamy collar. The nose is sweet with a touch of malt. It's brewed with added sugar and Champagne yeast.The body is light/medium and the carbonation is gently crisp on the tongue. The flavor is of a very softly tart and fruity maltiness that's quite refreshing. It's lightly fruity and sweet, but not cloyingly so. It's very drinkable actually; very much like a sparkling white wine. Interesting, well brewed, and without question my favorite malternative. Still, I generally prefer a little hops in my beer!