Recently I thought I’d try, BERO, the latest “IT” entry in the NA Beer category. Was a buck more per 6-pack than what I typically drink–Sierra Nevada “Trail Pass” NA IPA, and Athletic Brewing Co.’s IPA and Hazy IPA–but it’s out and about, and had a prominent place on the shelf in my local Market District supermarket here in the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Now, I didn’t try it because its founder is a celebrity (actor Tom Holland); rather, it was in spite of that. But the flavor, aroma, hops “bite” and finish were all lacking. It actually tasted bland and watery, compounded by a very off-putting touch of sweetness, and is simply inferior to those other brews. It’s really, well, not good.
I welcome any and all new entrants to the burgeoning NA category, in both beers and wines, and will try as many as possible, but no one needs a substandard “me-too.” The implied and reflected glory of a celebrity may get folks to try, and even give a subtle boost to their taste perception when tasting that celebrity’s wares, but the BLUF is that Tinseltown doesn’t really make a beverage better, once the halo fades.
Thinking I was possibly being a tad harsh, I tuned in to “Chad’z Beer Reviews” on YouTube, and learned that maybe I am actually being too kind. Watch and listen for yourself.
Unfortunately, that’s BERO.
Cheers.
