Technically speaking, this is not a grapefruit lager. It is a Pomelo lager, and there's a very subtle difference. Not in taste, but in classification.
See it turns out that a Pomelo is the principal ancestor of the grapefruit; the OG if you will (original grapefruit). It's generally very similar to grapefruit in taste, but is slightly sweeter.
In this beer though, it's delicious. I generally will be looking for a pomelo in the supermarket now after trying this. Phenomenal stuff.
The can pop bursts out a grapefruit (or as I have learned, pomelo) tartness that's sweet on the nose but also has a citrus sting in it's tail.
It pours a really light colour, lighter than many lagers, and doesn't leave much of a head. The initial flavour is sweet at first but then brings bags of grapefruit flavour to the palette; lots of citrus tartness, touch of bitterness but a general juicy flavour running right through.
The aftertaste is really the only chance any hops get to shine, but they combine well with the bitterness and fading sweetness to bring it to a crisp, refreshing and morish end. If only the can was bigger.
Now this is where things get confusing. Wikipedia tells me that a pomelo, this beer's namesake, generally has light green or pale yellow rind - so far so grapefruit, right? But the flesh is yellow or green, flying in the face of the pinky red grapefruit.
Yet this can is all about the pinky red, with half a grapefruit on the front and the slightly red, slightly orange wrap around.
The bottom half is a pale cream that works really nicely to contrast the reddish lettering of the beer name and nutritional info on the back. It's very aesthetically pleasant as far as cans go.
You too can enjoy the fruity grapefruit refreshment by clicking on the link in the top right. Honest Brew have it for just £2.50 for members, and even if you're not a member (for some reason, you monster) it's just £2.79.
Pricier than a grapefruit, but arguably more enjoyable.
