Mango beers

I was sorting out the old beer cupboard when I realised I had a few mango alcohol free beers. I wouldn't say I'm an evangelist of fruit beers, but here we are. I'm writing about them and you're reading about me writing about them. Shall we make a start?

First up was something that I pre-ordered. Not something I've done before with beer and not a style I've ever had before - Mash Gang Death Mall, a mango milkshake IPA. This was living dangerously. Not just because of the new style but because it included an ingredient that is banned in the States. The Tonka been. Similar to vanilla but know to cause lover problems, and even death, if consumed in great quantity. This is a refreshing fruity beer. Lots going on, but you can definitely get that vanilla edge with a beer essence to it. Not a bad start on my mango journey. Loving the work from Mash Gang at the moment and keeping a close eye on anything new on the market from them.

Next was an controversial beer, but not for the ingredients this time. Magic Rock Freeride. Magic Rock have been under the microscope for links with their umbrella company that have, knowingly or unknowingly, supported militant links in Myanmar. Not a great look to be honest. The beer though, packed a fragrant punch of mango and passion fruit, smells delicious. Sadly, for me at least, that's where it stopped. The beer itself was lacking any punch from the fruit and was more watery than beer. Never mind

Finally in my mango mix up was Lervig No Worries mango. I love the No Worries range. The standard beer is fantastic, as was their Christmas special. The mango offering is just as good. Good smells of mango when you open the can, had me worried that it would be like a smoothie. How wrong was I? This is a beer, and what a beer! I loved this. Mango yes, but carefully crafted with a hoppy bitterness that leaves you in no doubt it is indeed a beer. I might be as good as to say my favourite fruit alcohol free beer to date. I'm looking forward to trying their other fruit No Worries options as well now!

My favourite from these three was the No Worries, but I would also recommend the Death Mall. Lervig have nailed this beer, but Mash Gang are doing great work and I want to continue sorting their creativity and willingness to get stuck in and try things out. Yes I want to drink good beer, but I am just as keen to encourage exploring the unknown. I'd love to hear about other fruit beers that you've enjoyed. If you think they are worthy of being talked about let me know on Twitter, @HoppyAF.