Hargreaves Hill ‘Fruitopia #1’ Berry Smoothie Sour

Rating:

“Fruitopia is an ongoing speciality series in which we explore the how far we can take the addition of fruit to beer. Drinkers are given an exclusive look into the brewing process, with varieties, additions and time frame listed on the can label. Number one is a 7.5% Fruited Sour. A smoothie style sour ale, with the additional of Blackberry, Raspberry, and milk sugar.”

Glassware: Stemmed tulip.

Appearance: One of the hardest colours to explain…kind of like a creamy Scarlet/deep magenta with a tonne of suspended sediment. It holds a frothy two finger head long enough to leave some patchy lace here and there.

Aroma: Like a boozy berry flavoured frozen yogurt. Mostly dark berries like blackberry and blueberry with some creamy strawberry thrown in the mix. Super creamy lactose/milk sugars in spades. The sourness is light and funky…the type you’d find in one of those wanky probiotic yogurt drinks. Very unique we must admit.

Flavour: Pretty much follows the nose – dark berries dominate but the typical tartness you’d find from them is offset by the milky creaminess and yogurt-like funk. Getting a late hint of fruity hops which ushers in a slightly dry bitterness that quickly lays down for a creamy and fruity finish.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and well rounded. Very light on and aerated. Mild-medium body. Tell you what the 7.5% ABV has been very well concealed.

Overall: We’re proper fence-sitting here. On one hand it’s really unique and rather tasty but it looks like shit and doesn’t really have the amount of sourness we’re after. Not bad.