I've tried a few over the years that ended up tasting more like fizzy pop than proper beer. So, when I spotted the Jubel range in the supermarket, I wasn't exactly excited (in fact it took me weeks to actually buy them!). But curiosity (and probably a touch of stubbornness) got the better of me, so I gave them a go.
And you know what? They were far better than I expected. Crisp, refreshing, and actually rather tasty.
Why Fruit Beers Are Back
It's funny how fruit beers have gone from being a bit of a novelty to something you now see everywhere. They used to have a reputation for being overly sweet, but breweries have clearly learned their lesson. These days, the best ones balance real fruit character with that clean, refreshing base beer taste, which is exactly what Jubel have managed to pull off... and you can actually taste the base beer which I think you should always be able to do.
Their beers feel like they have been built for summer; light, lively, and made for those afternoons when you want something thirst-quenching but not boring; and as a plus, they are perfectly OK to share with friends and you won't be embarrassed.
Tasting My Way Through the Jubel Range
Here's how I found them, all poured properly into a glass, as every decent beer should be.
Peach (8/10)
This one won me over. The peach flavour's noticeable but never overdone. It's crisp, refreshing, and you can still taste the malt underneath. Exactly how a fruit beer should be.
Mango (8/10)
Bright, tropical, and really clean. There's sweetness, but it's balanced, not sticky. A cracking beer for a warm day in the garden.
Grapefruit (6.5/10)
Softer than I expected. The flavour's mild but the's a nice little pithy edge at the finish. Easy drinking, though it could use a bit more bite.
Blood Orange (6/10)
Lovely aroma, but the flavour doesn't hang around long enough. Not bad, just a bit forgettable.
Lemon (7.5/10)
Sweet and zingy, a proper pick-me-up sort of beer. Slightly shandy-like, but in a good way. You could happily neck a couple of these after a long walk.
What Jubel Get Right
The thing that really stood out was how much these still taste like beer. Too many fruit beers bury the base under sugary flavours, but not here. There's body, balance, and a touch of bitterness that reminds you you're drinking a proper pint with hops in it and not just a fruit cocktail.
It's that balance that makes the range work. Each one feels considered rather than gimmicky.
Final Thoughts
I'll happily admit it, I didn't think I'd enjoy these half as much as I did. The Peach and Mango are easily my favourites; crisp, clean, and refreshing without losing that essential beer character. The Lemon runs a close third for sheer drinkability.
So, if you've written off fruit beers in the past, give Jubel a chance. They've done something clever here... they've made beer that feels modern, summery, and still properly beer-like.
And honestly, it's nice to be proved wrong every now and again, especially when it involves a cold pint on a sunny afternoon.
Now then, what fruity number should I try next? Any favourites you'd recommend I try?
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