Paloma by Long Flint

It is not often that one has to reassess how one looks at and scores a category, but every once in a while you’ll have a coffee or beer, watch a new film or tv show, and think, oh shit, what I was consuming before wasn’t that great. This was the experience I recently had at Craft Beer Rising when I encountered Long Flint, who make premixed drinks with craft spirits. I was blown away by the depth, complexity and balance of these drinks, they’ve redefined the category for me, setting a new bar. I was thinking of changing the rating system just because of them, and whilst I haven’t done that they do deserve extra credit for raising the bar in the premixed drink sector.
I know I originally said I’d only review what you can get at a supermarket or in a train station, but since you can buy these on Amazon I feel it’s within my remit. Anyways enough chat, let’s get onto the drink.

What struck me first about the Paloma is the freshness, I have no idea how they’ve done it but it really does keep that grapefruit freshness - something which is difficult to do since citrus starts to degrade as soon as you squeeze it. Fresh and fruity with a back hint of sour cherry this drink goes from good to great because of the use of Mescal. The mezcal not only lends a lift through it’s agave flavour but also an awesome depth and length through it’s smokey character. This is a drink worth savouring rather than just knocking back.

Slightly lighter in alcohol than other mixed beverages it still packs the punch of a good beer and what it lack in booze it more than makes up for in flavour. Not to mention the stylish looking bottle and art work.

This drink is seriously good, almost too good for a train… Almost.
It could easily be served at a party if you aren’t used to mixing your own drinks (try this as a welcome drink when people first arrive rather than wine) or as a great alternative to beers at a BBQ or picnic. It just a more complex, delicious and sophisticated drink than anything else I’ve tried.

Score:5/5
Price: £3.5 - £4

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