California Dream With Blood Oranges
Mikkeller ApS

 

 

 

this is the face lift that pils needs sometimes for me, especially in the summer. this is not a fruit beer as we normally see them, its an accent not a lead horse here, and it does something really wonderful to the beer, which is to make it interesting and seasonal and bright in a way pilsener just never quite does, even the good ones. this has no visible color change from the blood orange, and really not a whole lot of it in the aroma, maybe a bit of generic citrus zest in the nose, which seems to bring out an old world hop profile long before it usually arises in the style. i like it up front like that, and i like it interacting with the malt sooner. bready and crackery and light on the grain, sweetened ever so slightly by the orange, but it remains on the drier side, very light and bright as they go. smart to keep it subtle here, its a quality lager underneath, no need to cover it up by overdoing in. just a little zest and pick up for the base pils, its perfect really, and the truth of the matter here is that i can very easily and would very much like to drink fifteen of these...

 

 

 

On-tap 6/21/2016 at Flynn’s in Mansfield, MA, served in a tulip glass.

A: The beer is a light gold color, with a short off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thin lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains orangey citrus, light caramelized malts, lager yeast and some hops.

T: The taste starts out sweet with a strong acidic orange flavor followed by some bready flavors of lager yeast and a thin malt character. The hops presence is mild but complementary and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet and slightly bready.

M: Crisp and a little smooth, light-to-medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

O: Tasty, goes down ok, not too filling, mild kick, decent representation of style, this is a decent beer to drink for a while.