Jolly Traveler
The Traveler Beer Co.
Burlington, VT
Type of Beer: Shandy
ABV: 4.4%
A shandy combines beer and another beverage (often a juice or soda) and is usually a warm-weather drink. So, a winter-themed variety had us all intrigued. Once poured into a glass there’s no missing the aroma from anywhere else in the room. It was golden and clear, with aromas of red licorice, marzipan, lemon zest and ginger ale. The taste, at first, had us thinking of Orange Zinger tea, but morphed into something else completely, sending us back sip after sip until we realized this was a liquid version of Chinese almond cookies. We were stunned and impressed. It’s not an everyday drink, but like the holidays, great once a year.
This beer was reviewed by John Holl, Dustan Lilas, Lee Movic and Kelsey Roth on Dec. 5, 2014, at the Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont, MA. Photography by Peter Johnstone. Read more reviews from the tasting.