Yes, we should all drink responsibly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this malty beverage in moderation. And today, National Drink Beer Day (September 28), is the perfect day.
Over on social media, folks are eagerly anticipating the event, with one user exclaiming: “I cant believe it.. National Drink Beer day, just a week away! I am so happy about this information.” Another chimed in with: “National Drink Beer day? I think I will.”
But why stick to your usual beer, which you might knock back every weekend, when there’s a world of variety out there? The ale and lager market is brimming with options, and thanks to a boom in the craft beer scene, new contenders are popping up regularly.
And one name that keeps cropping up in the booze department is Aldi. The discount retailer has recently scooped up accolades for its spirits, including their Haysmith’s London Dry Gin, which has been recognised as one of the best in the world.
Now, Aldi has appointed an NHS biomedical scientist as its official beer taster – and she’s already singled out her top brews. Christine Mitchell, a 37 year old NHS Biomedical Scientist and mother, was chosen for her enthusiasm for Aldi’s “diverse” beer selection, confessing they “export her to a happy place”.
Beating 100s of applicants, the judges were impressed by her genuine passion and unique perspective. Christine, Aldi’s Official Beer Taster from Dalry, Scotland, will be providing her insights on the supermarket’s latest brews.
She has already tasted 10 beers and ciders from their September range – ideal for sampling this National Drink Beer Day. Christine expressed: “As a microbiologist, I understand the magic of micro-organisms, including yeast and without yeast, there is no beer! I really didn’t expect to land this role, so I am very excited to be part of something I’m enthusiastic about.”
“You can imagine my excitement when I landed this dream gig! My family is over the moon… although my partner is secretly hoping I share my samples. I’m eager to put my tastebuds (and science brain! ) to good use, helping Aldi shoppers discover their new favourite brews.”
Interestingly, one of Christine’s top picks is actually the non-alcoholic option. She elaborated: “In terms of my favourites, I’m a big fan of the Traditional Triple Beer, but the 0% Rheinbacher is also an enjoyable non-alcoholic crowd pleaser.”
Below you can see Christine’s full reviews of the September line-up:
Älska Vintage Pear Cider (£1.99, 500ml) (new) – “Sweet with mild hints of apple and pear. Smooth and thin on the palette – very easy to drink with a strong ABV.”
Grande Spanish Lager (£1.79, 660ml) – “A classic done right. Pale amber in colour with sweet and crisp notes on the nose, this lager has a subtle sweetness with a pleasant bitterness.”
San Marcos Lager (£1.79, 500ml) – “Clear golden with a creamy head, this beer is sweet on the nose with hints of citrus and malt. With subtle malt and bread flavours, it’s both well-balanced and smooth.”
Mystic River East Coast IPA (£1.79, 440ml) – “Dry but smooth, this ale offers a sweet and juicy tropical blast with a lingering banana and cereal aftertaste.”
Silver Lake West Coast IPA (£1.79, 440ml) – “Sweet on the nose with hints of pine, citrus, and hops. Bold flavours of marmalade and zingy fruits leave a pleasantly bitter finish.”
Orchard English Vintage Cider (£1.49, 500ml) – “Clear, pale and golden, crisp apple notes offer a slight bitterness with a good balance between dry and sweetness. An excellent West Country cider that would complement a mature cheddar and cracker duo.”
Taurus Blood Orange Cider (£3.49, 4 x 440ml) – “With hints of citrus on the nose, this sweet tipple offers bold blood orange notes with a hint of apple bitterness.”
Taurus Cherry Cider (£3.49, 4 x 440ml) – “Bold cherry notes that are reminiscent of a cider-inspired Cherryade.”
Brasserie du Noir Bière Triple Traditionelle (£3.49, 750ml) – “Wheat and creamy banana notes with hints of mango and tropical flavours. A refreshing and very pleasant holiday-feel beer.”
Rheinbacher 0% Pilsner (£2.99, 6 x 330ml) – “A very pleasant and smooth 0% beer with subtle malt, banana and fruit flavours for a well-balanced and very enjoyable non-alcoholic option.”