Like tequila? Like beer? Then you might just love Desperados – some sort of sickly-sweet unholy union between the two.

Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan – but Desperados seems to be pretty popular across the European market, so they must be doing something right…

Transcript

Hello, this is DrinksAhoy and this… is Beverage Guide Express.

In this episode, we’re covering Desperados.

Contrary to any expectation the branding might establish, Desperados is a drink of French origin.

Its gimmick is that it purports to be a ‘Tequila flavoured beer’ – essentially the drink is a standard pale lager with added flavourings.

The beer itself is unremarkable, overpowered by its other ingredients.

At 5.9% alcohol by volume, this adulterated lager is a little stronger than most.

The drink is currently mixed by Heineken, France, based in Rueil-Malmaison – but was originally devised by the Fischer Brewery of Schiltigheim, France.

The drink dates to 1995, when it was introduced to Spain – and since then has become a popular drink across Europe.

In addition to Desperados, Heineken France also produce their namesake lager under license, as well as the Pelforth, Affligem and Fischer brands.

Appearance is akin to any other lager – a translucent amber hue that offers no hint of its nature.

Initial aroma betrays its intentions, however – a heavily artificial scent of citrus.

Citrus is the prevailing taste, coupled with a sickly amount of added sugar: this is more alco-pop than lager, akin to a full-strength shandy.

The enduring sweetness overrides any taste the lager might have had, and any hint of the subtle taste of agave is lost in a sea of sweet citrus.

Aftertaste is unpleasantly synthetic, with any bitterness masked in syrup.

Still, if you’re anxiously seeking an over-sweet lager with a hint of Tequila: don’t get desperate – get Desperados.

Thanks for watching, and join me next time for a legendary Hellenic brew.