ManMosa
Brewery: 5 Stone Artisan Brewery
Style: Fruit Beer (29A)
Package: 12oz Can
Packaging Date: 1/10/2018
Purchased: Specs Airport, Feb 2018
Details from the Brewer
Wheat ale w/ fresh oranges and zest
ABV: 5.8%
Summer in Texas calls for a light refreshing drink that can be enjoyed anytime of day. We offer you Manmosa to answer that call. We brew this summer ale using tons of fresh oranges and orange zest that gives it loads of orange citrusy aroma and flavor. Whether you drink it alongside your breakfast in typical “Manmosa” fashion or anytime throughout the hot summer day, we hope you enjoy Manmosa!
Review
Aroma – 7/12
Orange and citrus is the predominant aroma. Not sharp, but a balanced and full low-medium aroma. A pithy peel accent is present as well. As it warms, very little malt character comes out. A slight graininess with no hop aroma. At the end of the smell is a slight B.O. note, reminiscent of some over-ripe fruits
Appearance – 3/3
Pours with a modest ivory head which collapses to one finger of very fine bubbles. As the beer sits, a very thin layer persists with decent retention and some lacing. A hazy straw gold liquid with orange accents. Not quite opaque, but the haze obstructs from seeing through the beer. Noticeable yeast floaters or sediment in the pour.
Flavor – 11/20
Citrus is the up front and dominant character. A doughy wheat flavor appears in the mid palate, with a moderate graininess as well. Medium sweetness with a dry finish. A low level of earthy hop character is seen as it warms. A bitterness comes out on the finish as well. It doesn’t linger, and helps clear the palate. After each sip, a citrus note lingers in the mouth. There is some acidity here. It’s not quite on a “tart” level, but it leaves a sharp finish to each sip.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
Medium full bodied with medium high carbonation. The body is a bit unexpected, but welcome with the flavors. There is a moderate creaminess on the start of each sip, but it fades quickly. A very slight astringency noticeable on the tongue, with a drying sensation across the mouth. Low alcohol warmth.
Overall Impression – 6/10
This beer showcases the use of orange well. I found that the bitterness on the finish was a bit too high, and the astringency that followed unwelcome. I’d like to see a bit more wheat character present in the aroma and flavor. Although I’d prefer it not to finish as dry, it does a nice job of mimicking the champagne finish of a mimosa.
Rating – 31/50
Thinking back to all of the beers using orange (not just zest), this is probably the best version I’ve had. This is my first time trying a 5 stones beer since they’ve started packaging in cans. The fruit character seems to be holding up a lot better than some of the previous bottle offerings I’ve tried from them. I’ll be interested in trying more of their lineup now that Garrett Crowell has been helping out.
