Barbican Non-alcoholic Lemon Malt Drink
Summary
Drink – Barbican lemon
Type – non-alcoholic malt drink
Alcohol content – 0.0%
Rating– 70/100
Review – If you are looking for a refreshing a tasty drink for summer then Barbican’s non-alcoholic lemon malt drink is a great one to try out.
Barbican makes a number of non-alcoholic malt drinks and I picked up this lemon version at my local corner shop. Similar to Istak which I reviewed sometime back it is popular in the middle east where alcohol is not permitted.
Barbican is actually owned by the Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company and distributed around North Africa and the Middle East areas making it one of the largest suppliers of non-alcoholic drinks in that region of the globe.
Barbican drinks are brewed in Dubai and created using a three-step process where barley malt is mashed helping to breakdown the starch, it is then lautered (solids removed) and finally, the extracted wort is boiled along with hops to give it its bittersweet taste.
Barbican has created a number of different fruit-flavoured malt-drinks (including pineapple, peach and pomegranate) but it’s their lemon malt drink I tasted today.
So is this going to be a taste sensation, perfect for the summer? Well, you’ll just need to read my review below to find out.
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Are Barbican non-alcoholic drinks any good?
Taste
Similar to the Istak lemon drink Barcibcan’s non-alcoholic malt drink reminds me of a drinking a shandy ie lemony goodness with a subtle backdrop of bitter hops. This combo is always a winner imn my eyes and the perfect accompiament to a summer BBQ or Thai food. The sweetness level could do with coming down a notch but still a tasty beverage indeed.
Aroma & Appearance
Hops are the key aroma to note when you pop the lid but you also get quite a bit of citrus scents too. In the glass, it pours with a medium dark amber colour and don’t expect any forthy head here.
Bonus points
Barbican will appeal to quite a lot of drinkers given it has zero alcohol however I struggled to find out if it is suitable for vegans. Availability wise it’s best to buy it from Barbican’s store on Amazon or you could come across it by chance like me.
Key information
– per 100ml
Type – Lemon malt drink
Brewery – Aujan Group
Country – Dubai
Alcohol content – 0%
Calories – 32
Ingredients – Carbonated Water, Sugar, Malt Concentrate, Acidifier: E330, Colour: E150, Nature Identical Lemon Flavour, Antioxidant: E300● Hops
Vegan friendly? – unknown
Gluten-free? – no
Availability UK/ EU – hard
Availability US/ CAN – hard
Barbican Lemon Malt Drink FAQ
Is Barbican Lemon Malt Drink completely alcohol-free?
Yes. Barbican Lemon Malt Drink contains 0.0% ABV and is marketed as a fully alcohol-free malt beverage.
What does Barbican Lemon Malt Drink taste like?
Barbican Lemon combines sweet malt flavours with bright citrus notes. It is refreshing, lightly carbonated and sweeter than a traditional alcohol-free beer.
Is Barbican Lemon a beer?
Not exactly. Although it is made from malted barley, Barbican Lemon drinks more like a flavoured malt beverage than a traditional lager or beer.
Is Barbican Lemon sweet?
Yes. Barbican Lemon is noticeably sweeter than most alcohol-free beers, with the lemon flavour adding a soft citrus sweetness that makes it easy to drink.
How many calories are in Barbican Lemon Malt Drink?
Barbican Lemon generally contains fewer calories than alcoholic beers, although the exact calorie count can vary depending on the market and packaging.
Does Barbican Lemon contain caffeine?
No. Barbican Lemon is a malt-based soft drink and does not contain caffeine as a primary ingredient.
What food pairs well with Barbican Lemon?
Barbican Lemon pairs particularly well with:
- BBQ dishes
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- Middle Eastern cuisine
- Spicy foods
- Salty snacks
- Summer salads
How should Barbican Lemon be served?
Serve well chilled between 3–5°C. It is at its most refreshing straight from the fridge on a warm day.
How does Barbican Lemon compare to alcohol-free beer?
Barbican Lemon is sweeter and more soft drink-like than most alcohol-free beers. Those looking for a traditional beer experience may prefer an alcohol-free lager, while those seeking a refreshing flavoured drink may enjoy Barbican more.
Who is Barbican Lemon best suited for?
It’s ideal for people who enjoy sweet, citrus-based drinks and are looking for an alcohol-free alternative that doesn’t necessarily taste like beer.
Is Barbican Lemon worth buying?
If you enjoy lemon-flavoured soft drinks and malt beverages, Barbican Lemon is a refreshing and enjoyable option. However, traditional beer drinkers may find it too sweet compared to a standard alcohol-free lager.
