December 10, 2003 -- Reading my weekend paper, I come across a story about the new wave of low carbohydrate beers in Canada. (If, it should be added, two releases can be called a 'wave.' Ontario's Sleeman Breweries launched the country's first low carb brew, Sleeman Clear, this past summer, and Labatt has followed with the recent introduction of their version, Labatt Sterling.) Perusing the piece and chuckling softly at the always ludicrous 'me, too' side of beer marketing, I come to the line where someone named Roland Semprie, the co-owner of Toronto's Totumlifescience fitness clubs, is quoted as saying that "People want more options (in beer), but they don't want to sacrifice taste."

So I pluck a bottle from the six-pack that Labatt kindly sent me as samples, refrigerate it and pop the cap once it's sufficiently cool. And then…nothing. Or at least damn close to nothing -- a faintly sweetish aroma, a mild hay-like flavour and just forget all about aftertaste. If this is Mr. Semprie's idea of not sacrificing taste, then I'd hate to be invited to his place for dinner.

(Later, reading the Labatt press that accompanied my six-pack, I find Mr. Semprie quoted liberally throughout, which might explain his overall positive view of the product.)

Think I'll stick to real bread, real beer and real flavour.

Search The Real Beer Library For More Articles Related To: Labatt, Sleeman

Feedback?

We're very interested in your news, notes, comments and questions, so please feel free to contact SBWoB by clicking on the link below. Or you can add your comments when you sign up for the World of Beer Update, a mid-month e-mail newsletter that brings even more of the world of beer to your computer.

Send Feedback To: beaumont@worldofbeer.com