A big hard thirst needed a big cold beer – or so we were lead to believe.
When it comes to brands, there are few beers that could go past VB.
It was no surprises that the tried and true’ VB product evolved to deliver VB Gold (a mid- strength) and now we have VB Raw, a low carb lager which is the latest mainstream beer to go ‘natural’.
Raw boasts that it is made from just four ingredients – barley, hops, water and yeast – meaning there are no additives or preservatives.
This is a trend sweeping through all our major brewers and as drinkers, we are benefiting.
Also the fact that it is a low carb beer means there are some ‘health’ benefits as well ( though I leave that up to you).
As a dry lager, Raw retains that essential VB flavour though not as produced and has clean, crisp aftertaste.
After sampling a six pack with my mate Dave, we agreed that this was VB “only lighter” and not in alcohol strength which is 4.5 percent but in its nature – it doesn’t sit as heavily in the gut as the regular drop.
It doesn’t have that distinctive dry quality which you might expect from a beer claiming that in the brewing process but this is an ideal summer beer.
In essence, this is a more refined version of VB, easy to drink with great sessionability.
But if you are a die hard VB fan, you might be disappointed with this offering.
That said for those who aren’t, Raw is a great barbeque/party beer or good for just about any occasion such is its versatility.
There are no surprises in the flavour, just in the lighter body and crisper aftertaste across the palate.
Now there is an alternative for that big, cold thirst!
MY TIP
VB Raw Dry Lager is one of those beers which needs to be served very cold. It’s an anytime beer, more so than it’s famous regular VB cousin and while regular VB will notice a difference, for those who may have shied away from VB, this is definitely worth trying because it isn’t so imposing. Parties or picnics, Raw is a worthy addition to the VB stable. At around $15 per six pack of 355ml stubbies, it also represents good value as well.