Mandarin Nectar
Alpine Beer Company

Mandarin NectarMandarin Nectar
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From:
Alpine Beer Company
 
California, United States
Style:
Herb and Spice Beer
ABV:
6.5%
Score:
78
Avg:
3.44 | pDev: 13.37%
Reviews:
135
Ratings:
447
Status:
Active
Rated:
Jun 16, 2020
Added:
Mar 30, 2003
Wants:
  11
Gots:
  41
Fresh organic orange zest and cracked coriander complement the orange blossom honey used in this ale. Like a mountain breeze through the citrus trees. 1.060 OG 6 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3 by TallGuyCM from California

Jun 16, 2020
 
Rated: 3.5 by schopenhauerale from Arizona

Jul 05, 2019
 
Rated: 3.5 by Griffith from Connecticut

Apr 04, 2019
 
Rated: 4 by Stengelfoot from California

Jan 18, 2019
 
Rated: 3 by dafla67 from Pennsylvania

Jul 06, 2018
 
Rated: 3.21 by White_Whiskey from Ohio

Jul 28, 2017
 
Rated: 3.52 by Mister_Faucher from Washington

Jul 23, 2017
 
Rated: 3.93 by crow from Illinois

Jul 15, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by jroberts8811 from Missouri

Jun 30, 2017
Photo of Lone_Freighter
Reviewed by Lone_Freighter from Vermont

3.99/5  rDev +16%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into a becher pint glass. The appearance was a mild hazy burnt orange color with a semi-transparency about it. Carbonation could be seen rising at a nice pace. One finger-ed white foamy head dissipated at a nice pace. Moderate amount of messy lacing slides into the beer. The smell starts off with the sweet mandarin orange over top of some orange zest (lightly spiced) then the coriander echoes in nicely underneath. The taste follows the smell nicely. Zesty to sweet orange aftertaste. Delicate lightly spiced finish. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a good sessionable feel to it. Carbonation runs fairly light. Bitter to harsh feels seem decent. Overall, pretty good as a Summer sipper.
Jun 10, 2017
 
Rated: 3 by prost2hefeweizen from Oklahoma

May 22, 2017
 
Rated: 3.68 by chasmandocharles from Pennsylvania

May 14, 2017
 
Rated: 3.71 by Nat1975 from Indiana

Apr 26, 2017
 
Rated: 3.58 by kjkinsey from Texas

Apr 15, 2017
 
Rated: 3.56 by Futbolmanby from Michigan

Apr 02, 2017
 
Rated: 3.28 by Gagnonsux from Texas

Mar 02, 2017
 
Rated: 3.33 by jdell15 from Arkansas

Feb 28, 2017
Photo of ovaltine
Reviewed by ovaltine from Indiana

3.76/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This is interesting. It looks ugly (I don't mind floaties, but this had a tidal wave of floaties), and the head disappeared literally as I poured this coppery-hued honey ale.

But the honey comes forward pretty nicely to dance with the orange zest (the coriander was a no-show), and the taste is how you'd imagine a warm spring evening would taste.

I wouldn't seek this out, but I'm glad I tried it. Not a great beer, IMHO, but certainly enjoyable.
Feb 21, 2017
Photo of hoptheology
Reviewed by hoptheology from California

3.56/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
A striking honey golden blush with a quickly wavering 1 finger of flaky head.

Aroma is of honey first and foremost, almost stepping into Ricola territory but gracefully only flirting and never going medicinal. Herb and coriander behind it, as well as hints of orange blossom.

First taste I'm a little apalled because it's weird. Expecting a little more bitter but instead I get a soft, palatable malt profile with calming honey drop (with no medicine), herb, and candied citrus zest. Hints of tea weave in and out. Yes, it's still weird, and a bit saccharine, but it's not terrible by any stretch. It gets better after the first sip and remains good until about 3/4 done, then you're spent.

Feel is smooth and creamy, thickening up as it rests on the palate, finally finishing with a sparkling carbonation.

Overall, this is pretty fair game for a honey ale. It gets hated on because it's not in the same league as Pure Hoppiness or Duet. Still, $8 a bomber is a bit much for this particular beer, and taking price into consideration, it may be worth passing up.
Feb 13, 2017
 
Rated: 3.27 by madelf66 from Pennsylvania

Feb 06, 2017
Mandarin Nectar from Alpine Beer Company
Beer rating: 78 out of 100 with 447 ratings