The very retro can of Rick’s Near Beer goes up against Al and his classic. Who will come out on top?
Rick’s – lighter color with not a lot of bubbles. aroma is malty with a young / green smell. the taste is led by the usual N/A thinness which is followed by a nice crispness and corn flavor. overall a bit bland though inoffensive but lacks the pop that I associate with a Pils.
Al’s – much bubblier yellow which I take as a good sign. quite a weird smell to it almost like masa. this is even thinner but it has an herbal, sweet tart hoppiness which adds a second layer of interest.
I would probably choose the Al’s by a hair. It would have been less close if it had more heft to it and did not have that smell.