On Friday, June 20th, I posted a question on Plurk asking for recommendations on a new beer to try for the weekend. The only stipulation was that it needed to be available at Beverages & More so I could pick it up on my way home. I received a solid suggestion from superkash: New Belgium Skinny Dip.

I logged on to BevMo and purchased the Skinny Dip for pickup. When I arrived, they had it waiting for me (along with a couple bottles of wine and a backup beer, Firestone Double Barrel Ale, just in case). I took my spirits home and loaded them up in the refrigerator for later in the evening.

It was finally time to crack open my first Skinny Dip. It poured a copper color as I loaded up my New York Giants frosty mug. My first impression was that it was very light in taste. I had been used to a richer flavor from New Belgium (1554 being one of my favorites, and their Fat Tire above average as well), so this was surprising. However, this can certainly be classified as a “light beer.” I could definitely taste the hint of lime, giving it an accompanying fruity zest without detracting from its core flavors.

It felt very light on the hops and there was virtually no bite in the aftertaste. It was certainly as-advertised: a beer light on calories (114 calories per 12-ounce serving), but a bit disappointing overall. I was expecting to find a lighter beer a cut above, say, Samuel Adams Light, but I would say paying extra for the New Belgium is not worth it. On Sunday night, I tried the beer again, but found myself opening a Firestone DBA later in the evening.

With that said, I would rate it a 2.5 out of 5, and possibly a 3 out of 5 in the light beer category.

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