Berry Jelly
Swamp Head Brewery

This was the last beer that I picked up from the Winn-Dixie in Fernandina Beach when I was down that way late last year. Never had anything, nor heard of, Swamp Head before but this was a nice introduction to them as it was one of the better examples of the style that I've reviewed on here. The beer tasted just as it's moniker led me to believe, as there was quite a bit to like here from start to finish!

Can't say that I've ever had anything that looked like this, as it poured a deep hazy beet red with a subtle haziness to it. Soft streams of bubbles could be seen throughout my time with this as the head was sufficient, but short-lasting and didn't leave behind any lacing as I worked my way through this. Was this a Berliner Weisse or a Fruited Kettle Sour? That's up for debate as this straddled the line between the two given how much raspberry, lactobacillus, and Brettanomyces, and tartness was found both in the nose and on the palate. A good amount of acetate and carbonation rounded out the taste with blackberry, boysenberry, and cracker ensuring that this had plenty of fruit, bite, and body to round things out without being heavy in any particular aspect.

No date was to be found anywhere on the can although this felt as fresh and lively as could be. A bit of dark sediment settled at the bottom of the liquid as jelly sweetness and lactic acid stuck around once I finished this off. That was a nice first impression from Swamp Head that was a bit one-dimensional, but completely enjoyable at the same time. This was easily worth seeking out if you're in the Sunshine State since it was nicely crafted and a good take on a style that tends to be too tart and light in taste. Nice job all-around here!

 

from can 5/19/2019.
Tuns of fruit. Great mouth feel, thick and juicy! One of the best Raspberry/Blueberry Florida Weisse's made yet.