Sconnie Smash
Wisconsin Dells Brewing Co.

Poured from 12-ounce can into a stemless wine glass. Very pretty ruby color, with a pink head that left scads of sticky lacing. Good carbonation and head retention. Aroma is fruit forward as expected, but with an odd metallic undertone. This was not as sweet as I had expected, which was a pleasant surprise. The malt comes through on the palate along with some hoppy bitterness, but the metallic notes obtain as well. This is definitely not cherry-cranberry soda. There was no canning date, so I thought maybe the metallic note was due to the sample being a bit long in the tooth. At any rate, this was a siver medalist at the 2018 WBC and the brewery lists it as a current offering in the taproom. I'd happily purchase it again if I knew it was a "freshie."

Sconnie Smash is what happens when a family-friendly micro becomes too family friendly. Anyone's kid could drink two gulps and think this was soda pop. Way too sweet (which the brewer admits.)

But, it has positive qualities. It is a pretty red and has a decent foam. Smells? Well, you have to like cherries. Tastes lack balance, too sweet. Quenching in the mouth, but also worried about rotting my teeth.

Dells Brewing also houses a Moosejaw restaurant catering to the Chicagoland vacation crowd... or at least playing off the Capone notoriety. I'm going to give them credit for marketing well to specific niche. But, this beer and their menus do not advance either kitchens or brewing. You won't find me visiting. But, I'm glad to have yet one more brewer from across the border.