Great Divide Brewing Co. – Wild Raspberry Ale

Though typically fruit beers are not one of my favorite styles, I don’t think I can continue to add fruit to my home brews and maintain that opinion as a baseline.  It is not that I don’t like fruit beers, but many that I have tried had an artificial flavor that just does not work for my palate.  Of course with that, there are also some that are really quite good.  This one falls solidly on the good end of the fruit beer scale for me.  The Wife likes her fruit beers quite a lot and really enjoyed this one (would have graded it higher than I did), so that should be endorsement enough.  This one will likely find its way into our house again in the future.

Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Co. (Denver, CO)

Name: Wild Raspberry Ale

Style: Fruit Beer

ABV: 5.6%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pint glass.  $1.99 for 12oz.

Aroma: Full, smooth berry aroma (that is not artificial smelling) with an underlying malty sweetness.

Appearance: Amber color, but with a reddish hue.  One finger, off-white head with decent retention and a hint of a trail.  Very clear with a few rising bubbles visible.

Flavor: Berry flavor up front that goes away fairly quickly.  Fruitiness intertwined completely with the good base of malt flavor(s).  Bit of dryness at finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium (toward light) body and moderate (to low) carbonation.  Some slight astringency (dryness).

Overall Impressions: Typically not my favorite style, but pretty good as they go.  Better when not extremely cold.  The fruit/berry profile is nice (natural and well balanced).

Grade: B+

Great Divide Brewing Co. - Wild Raspberry Ale