Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Polar Ginger Ale


 I have been a big fan of ginger ale ever since I was a little kid. Although my interest in mainstream ginger ales (i.e. Canada Dry, Seagram's, etc.) has been waning lately in favor of the more natural and spicy alternatives, I still loving having a good, sweet ginger ale from time to time. Polar Ginger Ale is a new favorite of mine in this regard.

Polar Ginger Ale is not terribly different from many other more common ginger ales that you might find in most convenience stores. That recognizable ginger taste is there amidst the sugar, but it is a good bit more subtle than in Polar's more mainstream counterparts. I am tempted to say that Polar Ginger Ale is less flavorful than its competitors, but I don't think that this is really the case. Rather, I think that Polar's flavor balance is more even and carefully proportioned. It also tastes a lot less sweet and syrupy than others of its type, and has a clean, dry aftertaste that does not linger strongly in the olfactory.

Overall, I like Polar Ginger Ale a good bit. I'd definitely recommend it above other sorts of mainstream ginger ales, and I think that the more mild and subtle take on the conventional ginger ale taste is a good approach. I've also found that the "reduced" sweetness of Polar Ginger Ale makes it a very good cocktail mixer, as it works very well with and does not overtake the flavor of whatever you mix with it. I personally enjoy a simple mixture of two ounces of bourbon with five or six ounces of ginger ale, but that is certainly not to imply that Polar would not work well with any cocktail of your choosing. If you are a fan of ginger ales, or are looking for a good, "low-key" cocktail ale, Polar Ginger is definitely one to add to your list.

Verdict: Recommended

Purchased: Piggly Wiggly [Greenwood, SC]
Size: 33.8 fl. oz. [1 L]
Price: $0.99

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