Not just for the Famous Five (Old Jamaica Ginger Beer)

Member Name: DMSharman

Product:	Old Jamaica Ginger Beer
Date:	30/07/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Refreshing, intriguing, and full of flavour!

Disadvantages: Maybe a touch to sweet or spicy for some.

Old Jamaica Ginger Beer is a childhood favourite of mine. In fact I grew up supping a variety of ginger beers but would have to say that D and G's Old Jamaica clinches the title of best ginger beer in my eyes, if not the best soft drink.

The blend of fiery spice provided by root ginger extract with a sweet, refreshing taste is balanced well, although since my childhood the sweetness has seemed a little too prominent. It still beats other brands however, that can seem a little insipid or others like Fentimans, that in my opinion are far too medicinal. Of course my judgement may be slightly biased due to my father's claim to fame that he won a slogan competition run by the brand years ago, with the dubious entry "Hot even when it's cold". This resulted in a T-shirt being awarded with the slogan emblazoned beneath the image of a can of this pale elixir. The shirt has been subsequently passed down the generations and I now use it when painting rooms or in other splatter-likely scenarios.

The image of the can itself is somewhat iconic I feel. Unlike the picture above, its beige appearance with bold red and silver stripes with quaint font gives it a stylish Caribbean charm. It is true that it acts as a real thirst quencher, and unlike many carbonated drinks it has a freshness and cleanness to it that is most satisfying. Strangely, when left to go flat it takes on a milky sweet characteristic that is not wholly disagreeable in an odd sort of way. It can also serve as a good mixer for a number of spirits for those not adverse to something a bit stronger. For me though, ginger beer will always be a drink of innocent youth yet can be enjoyed by all ages (one of the few carbonated drinks where this is the case). It has of course got quite a bit of sugar in it but I don't think the other ingredients are too bad. Ginger not only holds great flavour but contains medicinal properties, although I am not sure how much of these will translate into the drink. Drinks such as this are for pure enjoyment however and definitely not a healthy option so pour yourself a glass, savour a drink which is refreshing, and forget all your worries, the Caribbean way!

Summary: May seem an odd concoction but results in a great soft drink