[QUOTE=
If you are cruising the Caribbeans authentic ginger beer is easy to find. It should have a gingerly bite to your mouth and lips after you take a sip. If not try another brand.[/QUOTE]

I believe the 'bite" to ginger beer comes from the addition of cayenne and not a part of brewed ginger. Try the Australian brand Bundaberg to see what the finest of ginger beer can taste like (Cost Plus World Markets carries it).

I tried ginger beer where ever I could find it on our Caribbean stops and found it all singularly undrinkable, muddy tasting and/or overly hot - all very off flavors.

Some of the best hand-made ginger ale was at a hotel bar in Kerela, India. Macerated ginger, simple syrup and sparkling water - this was a soda, not brewed ginger beer, but the freshness of the flavors made it sparkle.