WHEN I first heard about the Burleigh Brewing Company releasing a no-carb beer, my thoughts were “no way”.
“Had modern technology advanced so far as to be able to allow man to do such a thing?” was the question which I asked but actually what I was thinking was “What does it taste like?”
Would the bold claim of no-carbs come at a cost to the flavour and body of the beer?
Bighead is the name of the drop and as a lager, it retains sound flavour and body, as well as fulfilling the promise of no carbs.
Now you might think that’s a bold statement, but Burleigh brewing’s master brewer Brennan Fielding isn’t about to go and make idle statements which might see critics coming back at him.
It has zero carbs.
Bighead is a full strength beer at 4.2 per cent and being a clean, crisp beer across the palate means that it has great 'sessionability' because I found it didn’t sit heavy in the gut.
It’s an ideal summer beer, refreshing and with the Burleigh Brewing adherence to brewing using only traditional methods (without preservatives and additives), you could stretch it out and say this is a “health beer”.
I prefer to think of it as a beer with no carbs and one to enjoy with friends.
Apparently many people are taken by its no-carb rating (no doubt a popular choice with female drinkers).
It is clean and clear with a golden colour, a subtle bouquet and leaves the palate clean.
For those who like their brews pronounced with a flavour that's going hit you straight up, Bighead isn't the beer for you.
I think it would lend itself well to seafood, light dishes such as salads and some Mediterranean-style dishes but it is also flexible enough to have at a barbecue when the carbs are in abundance.
Most importantly, this isn’t a novelty beer but one which the Duke range hopes will become a mainstay on the Australian beer scene and a beer which sets a trend in a market already swamped with low-carb products.
MY TIP
Cold glass, big thirst, a few friends and get stuck in! This is a very social beer which can be enjoyed straight out of the stubbie or from a tall beer glass. It is versatile to be enjoyed with a broad range of foods though the lighter dishes would be better suited. It retails for around $16 per 330ml six pack.