Bahamians know their beer. Kalik and SANDS are the beers of the Bahamas. Whether you are cruising around the islands in a boat or sitting on a white sand beach, you’re going to crave an ice cold beverage to cool you down. Which of these beers are you going to choose?
Last week I was in the Bahamas and took an unofficial beer poll from the locals and did a little taste testing myself. Here’s what I found.
KALIK
Kalik is the best selling beer in the Bahamas. It got it’s name, “Kalik” by the sound made by cowbells, a key instrument used by the bands in the Bahamas annual Junkanoo Festival. Interesting. The staff at Commonwealth Brewery Limited views brewing Kalik as a matter of national pride. They also produce Heineken, Guinness and Vitamalt. Currently there are three variations of Kalik beer: regular Kalik with 5% alcohol, Kalik Light (4%), and extra-strength Kalik Gold (7%).
Sounds like a heavy hitter in this Bahamian Beer challenge doesn’t it? Let’s check out the new comer, the underdog…SANDS.
SANDS
SANDS beer launched on December 15th, 2007, and was brewed to quench the Bahamian thirst, creating a specific definitive flair that the owner thought was missing in the beer market. The combined knowledge of both the German brewing experts, local Bahamian Brewery team and owners has helped this newly launched beer become the hit of the islands. SANDS was due to be distributed in Grand Bahama only, but by early January 2008 – it was a national brand!
Which is Better?
When I polled the locals on which beer they preferred the answers where complicated. But once narrowed down I would say 6 out of 10 Bahamians said they preferred SANDS. Remember this was an unofficial poll and I’m guessing if I did it again the answers would be different. Why were the answers complicated?
The two beers are completely different. In my opinion, Kalik has more flavor and is a heavier beer. SANDS on the other hand is smoother, less flavor and is a lighter less filling beer. That’s why it’s hard to pick a winner. Each beer is perfect for different situations and different beer drinkers. I was going back and forth the whole time with SANDS and Kalik and had a hard time choosing which was better. But if you were going to twist my arm and make me choose, I would have to say SANDS. That’s only because I’m a light beer drinker though.
Have you tried both of these beers? If so please let us know what you think. Are you a Bahamian? Please let us know what your thoughts are in the comment section below.
Kalik or SANDS, either way you can’t really go wrong. I’ll say it again, Bahamians know their beer.
Cheers,
RumShopRyan
Will you still be my friend if I admit I didn’t actually try EITHER of them while there…? *bows head in shame*
Kristen Kristen…shame on you. I guess that’s just another excuse to go back!
Thanks for the comment!
Cheers!
My answer would be different if you asked me tomorrow – I like them both! Go Bahamas!
Gotta say I prefer Sands.. But, I’ll take either on the beach!
I’m with you Jon. I’m a Sands man. Thanks for the comment!
Of the two, I prefer Sands. But the new beer by Bahamian Brewery, High Rock is a stong contender in my beer quest. FYI I am a Bahamian.
Thanks for the comment John. I hadn’t heard about High Rock. I’m heading to Nassau in January and will have to give it a try. Thanks for letting us know about it. Cheers my Bahamian friend!
I tried Sands for a week the last time I was fishing the Marls back to back with Kalik…and I’m still a traditional Kalik drinker! But have to admit, after 20 or so barley pops of any kind, Sands is a little refreshing since it is lighter. Start with Kalik on the flats until mid afternoon and then swithch! And when the sun goes down, switch to your favorite umbrella drink, rummy!….just don’t fall off the dock like some of my fellow fishermen did.
Thanks for the comment Charles. I like the idea of starting off with the Kalik and then switching it up. Cheers!
Kalik is my favorite! I have has Sands when they run out of Kalik, and I don’t like it!!!
Thanks for the comment Brain. I’m going to get a chance to do some more taste testing next week. The battle continues!
We tried both plus another local beer, Eclipse, during our recent stay on Grand Bahama. Kalik is heavier with a slight funky smell and after taste. Sands is much lighter and crisp like an American Light Lager. We prefer Sands but Eclipse is similar and much cheaper if you are picking up a few at the market. I’m curious of what others think of Eclipse.
i love sands beer that all i drink, i dont like kalik
I luv Sands products but then again people think I’m very bias…they are correct,lol
Speaking from a Daily-Life-in-Nassau perspective: I tend to prefer Sands. I think it’s *usually* the better beer, with more flavour. However, Sands tends to be less reliable than Kalik, which is more consistent in delivering the same product, day after day, month after month. On most days, Sands is better, but you do run the risk of getting a bad batch.
I’m a SANDS guy too Robert. Just wish they would export to Florida. Why so bias? Do you work for them?
Good tip Steve. I found it a little upsetting that SANDS is actually hard to find in downtown Nassau. I was told Kalik had rights to that area or something.
Kalik! I really like Heineken!
Kalik, for sure,not the light but the other two,sands has adifferent flavor,many time Kalik at Nippers,Tipsy Seagull–oh!!!
Both great products! Which is better depends on taste buds. Personally I prefer Kalik but High Rock is also an excellent beer from the Sands company.
Thanks for the comment Nads. I’ll have to give High Rock a try next time I’m in the Bahamas. Cheers!
I lived on Grand Bahama Island for two months. I choose SANDS 100%. But most of the locals were still drinking Kalik. I got the “are you sureeee you don’t want Kalik” comment a lot!
P.S. if you’re ever on Grand Bahama Island you can take a tour of the SANDS brewery…worth it.
Thanks CMB22, I’ll definitely have to take that SANDS tour. Cheers!
Sands is really just for the lightweights that go for well, light beer. Kalik Gold is far better in my opinion and brewed in a much safer environment. Sands is know for brewing bad batches and making people sick. If you have spent any time in the Bahamas over the past 3 or 4 years drinking beer, you would probably know this or run into someone that has had a bad experience with Sands.
Drank alot of Sands and never got a bad batch. I buy a case as soon as I arrive. Much prefer Sands over Kalik, no headache. Smooth taste. Normally a Guinness drinker but Sands is a great other beer. I still need to try Strong Back though.
Tunaman, I’ve spent a several weeks in the Bahamas the last few years and haven’t had anyone say they’ve gotten sick from SANDS. I’m a big fan of both SANDS, Kalik and Kalik Gold. Drink the gold quite a bit here in Florida. When I did my casual poll of the locals, SANDS and Kalik were pretty close to the same popularity.
I am Bahamian who is a way from home. I must admit, when I saw the reviews of our national beer I got too excited. To me, I actually can’t pick which one. I would prefer SANDS when I am eating a nice bowl of scorch conch as SANDS doesn’t fill me up as quickly. But for a night chilling with the family, I would prefer Kalik, because it gets the party started quicker lol!! Thanks for your review.
Thanks for the comment Carib Girl! Always good to hear the opinion of a Bahamian on this matter. Cheers!
Kalik Gold is my favorite beer in the world
I’m a big fan myself Russ, especially now that I can buy it in the store! Cheers!
Drinking sands is drinking a light beer for anyone who drinks beer. Kalik still sells a whole lot more than Sands, where as High Rock is not a bad beer at all. The new Kalik Lime is really taking over the market share quickly thought
Drinking sands is drinking a light beer for anyone who drinks beer. Kalik still sells a whole lot more than Sands, where as High Rock is not a bad beer at all. The new Kalik Lime is really taking over the market share quickly though
I just got back from the Bahamas a few days ago, and let me just say, Sands tasted like the Bahamian version of Natty Light. I had a hard time finishing it, and honestly, when I got it, I thought the locals had taken a cheap beer and slapped a self made label on it. Im going to have to go with Kalik.
Natty LIght? Ouch! Thanks for the comment Chris.
OK, admittedly I come from Northern California where there are almost as many brewpubs as there are Starbucks. I’m very much looking forward to sampling the best that the Bahama’s has to offer since this April will be my first visit there since 1981 and back then I found the rum to be more to my taste. Looking forward to casting my vote once I can sample them all.
Cheers to the Bahamian beer challenge. Looking forward to hearing what you think Jay.