After having a discussion of spring seasonals with a friend yesterday, it is at least somewhat a coincidence that I have a beer with fruit review lined up for today. He was suggesting that I tend to not be a fan of the spring beers since many of them incorporate fruit and are generally beer styles that I do not gravitate to. That may be at least somewhat true, but there are also some very good beers with fruit out there that I do enjoy quite a lot, including this one.
I have a good level of comfort with Shmaltz, knowing that the level of quality will be there so I do not hesitate to give their brews a try (fruit in them or not).
Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Co. (Saratoga Springs, NY – based in San Francisco, CA)
Name: Rejewvenator (Year of the Fig)
Style: (American) Strong Ale / Fruit Beer (?)
ABV: 7.8%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in an oversized wine glass/snifter. $4.99 for 1pt. 6oz.
Aroma: Very sweet with notes of dark fruit (fig I guess in this case) and slight alcohol.
Appearance: Brown color with strong red/copper highlights. Slight, light brown head that quickly dissipates with no trail. Hazy and able to see light through. Rising bubbles visible along glass.
Flavor: Full malt flavor with some nuttiness and prominent dark fruit (fig) flavor. Sweetness that carries through to finish. No noticeable hop flavor(s). Fruit component is well balanced in, without being overpowering.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with low carbonation (somewhat flat). Smooth with some warmth.
Overall Impressions: Ale with fig concentrate – Limited Release (2008). Interesting, though in a good way. Very enjoyable with a flavor that closely matches the aroma(s). Shmaltz delivers really good quality for price again.
Grade: B+ (maybe towards A-)
Shmaltz Brewing Co. - Rejewvenator (Year of the Fig)
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