Not Your Father’s Ginger Ale (NYFGA) has left a different impression, though one I’m equally unlikely to forget. I first tried the Not Your Father’s brand at my dad’s insistence that, if I could ever find it, I should pick up their Root Beer. I finally found the Root Beer while on vacation last year; a six pack of it was bought, drunk (with help), and a new six pack was bought the next morning. With confidence in the brand established, I couldn’t say no to their Ginger Ale. In fact, I first spied it back around New Year’s and I’ve now worked through a few bottles of it.
This is the first alcoholic ginger ale I've tried, so I can only compare it to sodas, not other beers. As a result, I’m used to the sweet and creamy flavors in mainstream sodas that just tease at the flavor of ginger. Not so with NYFGA! The virtue of ginger is unmistakable in this beer. On your first sip, ginger marches a bold parade across your tongue, leaving a slightly sweet, creamy burn as it finishes.
It is equally good whether drunk out of a glass or straight from the bottle, though if you go straight to the bottle be prepared to lose a bit of the creamy finish. I’ve struggled to pick out flavors beyond the obvious ginger, cream, and a slight sour apple taste but I think this plays in the beer’s flavor. The flavors remain light and almost feel like a liquid palate cleanser, though only the bold would pair this beer with sushi. On some sips I’ve felt the beer to be bitter, on others it’s been sour, but the taste of ginger remains constant throughout, while never being so strong as to be unpleasant.
If I can keep myself in good supply I suspect that I’ll have a refreshing alternative to a lager or pilsner come summertime, as ginger may be a more welcome flavor for people who have grown weary of blond citrusy beers. I look forward to summer and, whenever I get it, my next bottle of Not Your Father’s Ginger Ale.
Aromas: Gingery, sugary nose
Flavors: Spicy and sweet ginger, hint of sour apples, creamy finish
Season: Summer
Price: $10-$12 for a 6 pack