Hofmeister Ultra Low

ABV: 0.5%

Calories per 100ml: 19

It was in the 1980s that Hofmeister was first launched in the UK. It was famously advertised by George, a bear in a yellow satin jacket and a porkpie hat, whose boorish behaviour would certainly not be acceptable these days.

Although George was supposed to be from the Bavarian Forest, the beer was British through-and-through. It was also very much a product of its time and declined in popularity over the years. In 2017, Spencer Chambers and Richard Longhurst bought the Hofmeister brand and relaunched it in partnership with a German brewery.

They’re now turning out three beers, including this 0.5% lager. What’s it like? It’s a really nice German-style beer. There’s a touch of sweetness but it’s balanced by an undertone of bitter hops. It may even be too hoppy for some lager fans. Definitely worth a try.