New beer fires high-carb shot at Atkins diet

(azcentral.com) - In this ever-expanding world of Atkins followers, leave it to a beer company to provide the voice of reason.

No, not macro brewers such as Budweiser and Coors. They quickly caved to the low-carb trend, either touting their light beers or creating such patronizing brews as Michelob Ultra and Aspen Light (which are more like malt-flavored seltzer water).

The honor goes to Petaluma, Calif.-based brewer Lagunitas and its new XS (extra special) ale. Its label proudly proclaims it is "Guaranteed Fad-Diet Free." The label does not say how many carbs are contained within the 22-ounce bottle because those who buy it will not care. They are among the common-sense folk who know better than to order the salad at fast-food joints or the skinless chicken at a steakhouse.

XS is a decent gimmick ready to cash in on Atkins backlash, and for that alone is worth the (assumed) carb splurge just to make a statement. Fortunately, there is a good beer behind the gimmick.

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