Skullberry
Brewery: Real Ale Brewing Co
Style: Fruit Beer (29A)
Package: 12oz Can
Purchased: HEB Tech Ridge, June, 2019
Best By Date: N/A
Consumed Date: 8/24/2019
Details From the Brewer
ABV: 6.2%
IBU: 20
OG: 15.0P
A wacky idea inspired by the creativity of our friends at Tin Man in El Paso, this IPA is one of the most transformative beers ever to be developed on our 10-hectoliter pilot brewhouse. It has its roots in the New England style of IPA but is modified by a small addition of lactose, which produces a softer mouthfeel and subtle sweetness. German Ariana hops give this IPA a berry-like aroma, which is boosted by late fermentation additions of fresh strawberry puree and Mexican vanilla, taking this beer to skull-splitting levels of awesomeness. Prepare to have your mind blown!
Review
Aroma – 7/12
Citrus and floral hops at a medium intensity. This is followed by an equally strong vanilla aroma. There’s a bit of sweetness that comes with a generic berry note. As it warms a touch of vegetal comes out.
Appearance – 1/3
Pours a pale orange with a moderate haziness. Large floating particulates pour from the glass, and break down to smaller particles in the beer. Crème colored bubbles of medium size compose a somewhat rocky head which lasts with normal retention.
Flavor – 6/20
An almost yogurt, lemony flavor hits the tongue first. A moderate sweetness jumps out with some vanilla flavors. This blends in with a bit of doughy wheat character and a touch of graininess. Some generic pome fruit and berry character comes out towards the end of the taste, bringing a moderate bitterness as well. The red apple and berry flavors linger for a bit on the finish.
Mouthfeel – 3/5
Medium full bodied. Moderate carbonation. The finish is extremely soft, with the beer fading away with no punctuation. The finish has a bit of grittiness to it, and dries the mouth out.
Overall Impression – 9/10
This might have been a good version of this beer off the canning line, but it hasn’t held up well. The vanilla comes through well on the nose and flavor. Unfortunately, the New England IPA parts do not come across well. The strawberry seems subdued as well.
Rating – 20/50
Without having a can on date and forcing a customer to use a best-by date, you need to be certain that the date is accurate. In this case, I’m guessing this beer may have been good fresh, but it comes across sloppy at this point, and not well executed.
