Not many good things to say about light beer outside of the accountants offices. They taste like watered down versions of beer but thanks to the mainstreams calorie conscious attitude, they sell like crazy. So why would I mentioned light beers on a craft beer blog where we like our IPA double (or triple), our stout imperial, and calories be damned?
New Belgium’s summer relase, Skinny Dip (formerly Loft) is a low calorie, low alcohol, light styled beer perfect for summer drinking. That’s the idea behind the beer anyways. I have no idea about actual calorie count or anything, but the alcol content comes in below 5%, so we know the low alcohol claim to be true.
On to the beer. It pours a light amber, looks good enough in the glass with small head that quickly dissipates. The aroma is a bit wheaty, dry, with a little citrus but not a whole lot going on. Flavor is rather bland. Compared to other light bers, this is a full flavored beer, but in general, is too light in all ways. The malt flavor is very subtle, not a lot of hops, and as indicated, the alcohol level is just not there. I could easily see drinking a 6-pack of these without problem, but given another option, I’d probably pass.
When it comes to New Belgium’s Skinny Dip, you have to ask yourself what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a light beer, this is easily your best option. If you’re looking for a fresh summer drinker, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
Last summer I tried Skinny Dip and it was the first of a long line of New Belgian Seasonal disappointments for me. First this, then Frambozen – bad raspberry candy – then 2 Below, which is Fat Tire with a little more umf.
With Mothership Wit, Blue Paddle, 1554 and Abbey, we know New Belgian can make a good beer, but why can’t the consistently make good beer? This is one of those places where I give Sam Adams a nod for giving us a variety of good beers. Once New Belgium moves away from their standards they’re like the blind throwing darts.