With summer in full swing and some optimism in the air, there’s never been a better time to try new things…such as the incredibly unique Michelada?
We tried four different Michelada drinks:
Budweiser Chelada La Original (w/ Clamato)
SOL Chelada
Modelo Chelada Especial
Tio Rodrigo Michelada Orginale (SLO Brewing Company)
We didn’t go for the extra bells and whistles (“Extra Lime”/”Extra Spicy”) nor did we go for lighter versions such as the “Bud Light Chelada” — though, if we revisit this, we may do that.
In any case, it’s time to start!
So, we lead off with…
MICHELADA: Chelada La Original (w/ Clamato)
BREWER: Budweiser
ABV: 5%
MATT: 2/5
DANIELLE: 1.5/5
LOOK: Reddish orange
SCENT: Tomato juice scent…and nothing much else.
MOUTHFEEL/TASTE: Thin. Like a Seltzer Beer with Tomato Juice. No spice. Very crisp and somewhat refreshing…but a bit on the dull side.
FINAL REFLECTIONS:
MICHELADA: Chelada
BREWER: SOL
ABV: 3.5%
MATT: 1.5/5
DANIELLE: 2/5
LOOK: Reddish orange — but slightly lighter
SCENT: Tomato juice scent — but slightly lighter.
MOUTHFEEL/TASTE: A little bland. Carbonation is barely there. Tomato tastes artificial. Thicker than the Bud. Once again, there isn’t any spice to speak of.
FINAL REFLECTIONS:
MICHELADA: Chelada Especial
BREWER: Modelo
ABV: 3.5%
MATT: 2.5/5
DANIELLE: 1.5/5
LOOK: Dark red
SCENT: Tomato juice heavy on the nose.
MOUTHFEEL/TASTE: More alcohol than tomato juice. Slightly more zesty than the last two.
FINAL REFLECTIONS:
MICHELADA: Tio Rodrigo Michelada Originale
BREWER: SLO Brewing Company
ABV: 4.5%
MATT: 4/5
DANIELLE: 4/5
LOOK: Light Amber
SCENT: Light tomato juice, almost a white wine scent
MOUTHFEEL/TASTE: Spice is so upfront, it practically kicks you in the face. Complex flavor with a darker finish. Could benefit from some lemon or lime to really complete it. Still, this is the best of the four brands.
FINAL REFLECTIONS:
WINNER: TIO RODRIGO MICHELADA ORIGINALE (SLO BREWING COMPANY)
THOUGHTS: In the end, the smaller competitor beats out the heavyweights with a very complex, peppery flavor. The other brands simply do not hold a candle to SLO Brewing’s Tio Rodrigo.
TASTING POST-GAME: