Key Lime Tau (2π)
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Wild Ale
Ranked #785 - ABV:
- 6.28%
- Score:
- 91
Ranked #5,300 - Avg:
- 4.08 | pDev: 9.31%
- Reviews:
- 32
- Ratings:
- From:
- Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
- Colorado, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 5
- Gots
- 12
SCORE
91
Outstanding
91
Outstanding
Notes:
Key Lime Tau (2π) was brewed in collaboration with Hawkshead Brewery (UK) as part of the Trans-Atlantic Rainbow Project, a series that challenges brewers to come together and brew a beer inspired by a color. In its third year, the 2015 project involved seven UK breweries, each paired with a different American brewery and randomly assigned a color.
Key Lime Tau (7.0% ABV), brewed to embody the color green, is a Mixed Culture Fermentation Ale aged in Oak with Lactose, Fresh Lime Peel and Fresh Lemongrass.
Key Lime Tau (7.0% ABV), brewed to embody the color green, is a Mixed Culture Fermentation Ale aged in Oak with Lactose, Fresh Lime Peel and Fresh Lemongrass.
Reviews: 32
| Ratings: 149
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StoutElk_92 from Massachusetts
4.65/5 rDev +14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
375ml bottle
Pours slightly hazy amber orange copper with a creamy off-white foam head. Smells zesty, lively and invigorating with fresh lemongrass, key lime peel, lemon, some malt, and creamy vanilla-like lactose. Tastes like key lime pie, fresh lemongrass, tart lemon, lime peel, creamy lactose, sweet spice, oak barrel, bready caramelized malts, with floral earthy grassy hops. Feels medium bodied, creamy with smooth moderate carbonation. Overall a real nice key lime pie inspired wild ale.
Apr 14, 2020
4.65/5 rDev +14%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
375ml bottle
Pours slightly hazy amber orange copper with a creamy off-white foam head. Smells zesty, lively and invigorating with fresh lemongrass, key lime peel, lemon, some malt, and creamy vanilla-like lactose. Tastes like key lime pie, fresh lemongrass, tart lemon, lime peel, creamy lactose, sweet spice, oak barrel, bready caramelized malts, with floral earthy grassy hops. Feels medium bodied, creamy with smooth moderate carbonation. Overall a real nice key lime pie inspired wild ale.
Apr 14, 2020
Suds from Missouri
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Lightly hazy, golden and dry...the head is thick and white with intricate lace. Flavorful, tart....lime tang...wonderful. There is a bit of pale malt underneath. The finish is dry and acidic. Medium body and enjoyable.
Mar 11, 2019
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Lightly hazy, golden and dry...the head is thick and white with intricate lace. Flavorful, tart....lime tang...wonderful. There is a bit of pale malt underneath. The finish is dry and acidic. Medium body and enjoyable.
Mar 11, 2019
Roguer from Georgia
3.85/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Translucent dark orange, brownish ale, topped with a decent head - about 1 finger from a turbulent pour.
Musty oak, tannin, vinegar, and lime come together in a tart, funky, slightly muddled package.
Flavor follows. It's an odd (but pleasant) mix of sweet, sour, and funky. Brown sugar, key limes, honey, oak, tannin, and mild vinegar. Only mildly sour.
Smooth and oily on the palate.
Nov 18, 2018
3.85/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Translucent dark orange, brownish ale, topped with a decent head - about 1 finger from a turbulent pour.
Musty oak, tannin, vinegar, and lime come together in a tart, funky, slightly muddled package.
Flavor follows. It's an odd (but pleasant) mix of sweet, sour, and funky. Brown sugar, key limes, honey, oak, tannin, and mild vinegar. Only mildly sour.
Smooth and oily on the palate.
Nov 18, 2018
Jrosso from New Jersey
4.22/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is a very good wild ale. The aroma of lime hits you right in the face. The taste of the lime comes through as well with a bit of sweetness from the lactose. The name certainly fits the beer.
Oct 20, 2018
4.22/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This is a very good wild ale. The aroma of lime hits you right in the face. The taste of the lime comes through as well with a bit of sweetness from the lactose. The name certainly fits the beer.
Oct 20, 2018
DBosco from Massachusetts
4.51/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
375ml bottle, of uncertain age, but I think it was on sale so probably old. Hazy copper orange, but may have a tint of green around the edges. Medium size bubbles around the edges, but more of a film than a head. Amazingly, smells like a key lime pie including a whiff of the crust. Taste is tart, limey, some sweetness (lactose it seems). Feel is nice, rich and a little creamy. Overall, this was a fascinating variant of a wild ale. It has the wild ale tartness, and that is base that plays into the recreation of a key lime pie flavor. I guess the notes of baked crust are coming from the oak and malts, the lime flavors are just right, and the lactose gives the sweetness for the pie filling.
Jun 27, 2018
4.51/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
375ml bottle, of uncertain age, but I think it was on sale so probably old. Hazy copper orange, but may have a tint of green around the edges. Medium size bubbles around the edges, but more of a film than a head. Amazingly, smells like a key lime pie including a whiff of the crust. Taste is tart, limey, some sweetness (lactose it seems). Feel is nice, rich and a little creamy. Overall, this was a fascinating variant of a wild ale. It has the wild ale tartness, and that is base that plays into the recreation of a key lime pie flavor. I guess the notes of baked crust are coming from the oak and malts, the lime flavors are just right, and the lactose gives the sweetness for the pie filling.
Jun 27, 2018
Ciocanelu from Romania
4.2/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Sample at Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen 2018, Blue Session. Aroma is zesty and fruity with marmalade and fruit jam notes. Taste is sour, sweet, fruity, mineral and a bit salty with a light orange rind bitterness on the finish.
May 29, 2018
4.2/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Sample at Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen 2018, Blue Session. Aroma is zesty and fruity with marmalade and fruit jam notes. Taste is sour, sweet, fruity, mineral and a bit salty with a light orange rind bitterness on the finish.
May 29, 2018
SHODriver from North Carolina
4.25/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Poured into a tulip to a deep orange topped by a dense two finger off white head which fades slowly to a collar around the edge of the glass with minimal lacing
S: Smells of funky yeast and some grassy notes with some hints of lime
T: Taste is tart acidity with some key lime notes, lactose sweetness with some cream, slight funk, and grass notes. Swallow is more key lime with some lingering tartness and sweetness from the lactose.
M: This beer has a medium body with a slightly creamy mouthfeel. Carbonation is just below prickly while the beer has a drying finish from the acidity.
O: Overall this is a really great beer that seemed to hit the flavor profile they were looking for. Very nice with some good complexity and flavors which makes this one an enjoyable drink. Definitely worth a try if you like key lime pie.
Mar 14, 2018
4.25/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Poured into a tulip to a deep orange topped by a dense two finger off white head which fades slowly to a collar around the edge of the glass with minimal lacing
S: Smells of funky yeast and some grassy notes with some hints of lime
T: Taste is tart acidity with some key lime notes, lactose sweetness with some cream, slight funk, and grass notes. Swallow is more key lime with some lingering tartness and sweetness from the lactose.
M: This beer has a medium body with a slightly creamy mouthfeel. Carbonation is just below prickly while the beer has a drying finish from the acidity.
O: Overall this is a really great beer that seemed to hit the flavor profile they were looking for. Very nice with some good complexity and flavors which makes this one an enjoyable drink. Definitely worth a try if you like key lime pie.
Mar 14, 2018
jzlyo from Iowa
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Aroma is big lime/key lime and sweet fruit. The flavor is lime/key lime, malts, fruit and a mix of big tart and slightly sugary sweetness in the finish.
Oct 28, 2017
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Aroma is big lime/key lime and sweet fruit. The flavor is lime/key lime, malts, fruit and a mix of big tart and slightly sugary sweetness in the finish.
Oct 28, 2017
CanConPhilly from Pennsylvania
4.06/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Crooked Stave - Key Lime Tau
Key Lime Wild Ale with Lactose - 6.3% abv
L - 2-finger off-white head atop a burnt orange body.
S - key lime, sugar, graham cracker, oak.
T - quite sweet. Very acidic due to the limes. A slight tartness but less than expected. Barrel presence is faint but pleasing.
F - medium body, prickly carbonation. Not detecting what the lactose is doing here.
O - A decent wild ale, but comes off as more of a fruit beer due to the low degree of tartness. Pleasing on a 75 degree October day.
Oct 22, 2017
4.06/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Crooked Stave - Key Lime Tau
Key Lime Wild Ale with Lactose - 6.3% abv
L - 2-finger off-white head atop a burnt orange body.
S - key lime, sugar, graham cracker, oak.
T - quite sweet. Very acidic due to the limes. A slight tartness but less than expected. Barrel presence is faint but pleasing.
F - medium body, prickly carbonation. Not detecting what the lactose is doing here.
O - A decent wild ale, but comes off as more of a fruit beer due to the low degree of tartness. Pleasing on a 75 degree October day.
Oct 22, 2017
KTCamm from New Jersey
3.79/5 rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
7/1...pours copper blended with gold, foam on the low side. Key lime nose, tart scents and loads of the lime citrus. Oak hits you first, a key lime pie like taste. Pulpy lime mouthfeel. Bitter.
Sep 02, 2017
3.79/5 rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
7/1...pours copper blended with gold, foam on the low side. Key lime nose, tart scents and loads of the lime citrus. Oak hits you first, a key lime pie like taste. Pulpy lime mouthfeel. Bitter.
Sep 02, 2017
Lone_Freighter from Vermont
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a golden orange color with a one finger white foamy head that quickly concaves and leaves just a glazing over the beer. Thin spider web lacing clings to the glass. The smell starts off with a big sweet burst of key lime, sour yet sweet, bitter with a nice tart edge. The taste was a balanced sour to sweet to bitter between the key limes, lemongrass and a light woody edge underneath. After some warming, subtle pie-like crustiness, makes it taste like drinking key lime pie. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a decent sessionable to sipping quality about it. Carbonation runs nice and low so that the tartness of the key limes hits my tongue in a dry manner. Overall, nice take on taking key limes and putting it in a beer. Not sure if the pie-like quality was intentional, but hey, I’d drink this again.
Jun 08, 2017
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a golden orange color with a one finger white foamy head that quickly concaves and leaves just a glazing over the beer. Thin spider web lacing clings to the glass. The smell starts off with a big sweet burst of key lime, sour yet sweet, bitter with a nice tart edge. The taste was a balanced sour to sweet to bitter between the key limes, lemongrass and a light woody edge underneath. After some warming, subtle pie-like crustiness, makes it taste like drinking key lime pie. On the palate, this one sat about a light to medium on the body with a decent sessionable to sipping quality about it. Carbonation runs nice and low so that the tartness of the key limes hits my tongue in a dry manner. Overall, nice take on taking key limes and putting it in a beer. Not sure if the pie-like quality was intentional, but hey, I’d drink this again.
Jun 08, 2017
Knapp85 from Pennsylvania
4.25/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Poured out as a hazy golden color with a thin white head on top. The smell of the beer has a pretty strong lime aroma with some funk in there too. The taste is lime and funk throughout. The feel of the beer is a little under carbonated for me. Overall it's a good brew, I enjoyed it.
Jun 17, 2016
4.25/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Poured out as a hazy golden color with a thin white head on top. The smell of the beer has a pretty strong lime aroma with some funk in there too. The taste is lime and funk throughout. The feel of the beer is a little under carbonated for me. Overall it's a good brew, I enjoyed it.
Jun 17, 2016
stortore from Illinois
4.28/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
375 ml bottle into a tulip glass. Bottled in 7/2015.
Pours a slightly hazy golden color, with a small head and a ring of soapy cling. Smell brings a good amount of lime, some yeast, light malt, a little funk, a tart and sour aroma overall. Taste increases the lime presence- a very limey lime, if that makes sense, some yeast, light malt, some oak, slight vanilla, more sour than the nose, tart. But, no bitterness at all. Smooth, well carbonated, taste lingers.
This is the best use of lime in a beer that I've ever had, and does not fall short of that title overall, pie included... Wonderful flavor, could use a little more intensity in the nose. Didn't really pick up any lactose, but that's probably me and not meant as a negative. This one is well worth a purchase. Like any CS I've been able to try, it's a good experience.
May 24, 2016
4.28/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
375 ml bottle into a tulip glass. Bottled in 7/2015.
Pours a slightly hazy golden color, with a small head and a ring of soapy cling. Smell brings a good amount of lime, some yeast, light malt, a little funk, a tart and sour aroma overall. Taste increases the lime presence- a very limey lime, if that makes sense, some yeast, light malt, some oak, slight vanilla, more sour than the nose, tart. But, no bitterness at all. Smooth, well carbonated, taste lingers.
This is the best use of lime in a beer that I've ever had, and does not fall short of that title overall, pie included... Wonderful flavor, could use a little more intensity in the nose. Didn't really pick up any lactose, but that's probably me and not meant as a negative. This one is well worth a purchase. Like any CS I've been able to try, it's a good experience.
May 24, 2016
Stevem68 from Ohio
4.12/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a golden honey color with a sight haze. Aroma is tart citric acid and lime. Flavor follows the nose. Has a light tart lime flavor if a big acidic punch. Has a nice soft mouth feel and overall this is really good.
May 06, 2016
4.12/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a golden honey color with a sight haze. Aroma is tart citric acid and lime. Flavor follows the nose. Has a light tart lime flavor if a big acidic punch. Has a nice soft mouth feel and overall this is really good.
May 06, 2016
morimech from Minnesota
3.84/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Much darker than I anticipated. Clear, dark amber color with just short a finger of head that quickly settled to a thin film. Moderate amount of spotty lacing is left down the glass. Aroma of lemon-lime soda, tart citrus, and mild funk. It smells slightly better than it tastes. It does taste a bit like a key lime pie, especially in the aftertaste. A lot of lemongrass in the flavor, a bit too much if you ask me. Moderate amount of tartness. Effervescent carbonation which I always enjoy in sour beers. It excites the palate. I think the brewers achieved their goals in this beer.
Mar 12, 2016
3.84/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Much darker than I anticipated. Clear, dark amber color with just short a finger of head that quickly settled to a thin film. Moderate amount of spotty lacing is left down the glass. Aroma of lemon-lime soda, tart citrus, and mild funk. It smells slightly better than it tastes. It does taste a bit like a key lime pie, especially in the aftertaste. A lot of lemongrass in the flavor, a bit too much if you ask me. Moderate amount of tartness. Effervescent carbonation which I always enjoy in sour beers. It excites the palate. I think the brewers achieved their goals in this beer.
Mar 12, 2016
Parmesan from Colorado
4.28/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
L: Clear gold orange yellow color. With a fizzy white head and some nice white lacing.
A: Smells like key lime, a very nice aroma funky Brett underneath, very nice smelling beer.
T: Lots of key lime, Brett, pie sweetness, nice and tart like key lime pie.
F: Light and easy drinking with a high carbonation.
O: A very unique and interesting sour beer.
Jan 12, 2016
4.28/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
L: Clear gold orange yellow color. With a fizzy white head and some nice white lacing.
A: Smells like key lime, a very nice aroma funky Brett underneath, very nice smelling beer.
T: Lots of key lime, Brett, pie sweetness, nice and tart like key lime pie.
F: Light and easy drinking with a high carbonation.
O: A very unique and interesting sour beer.
Jan 12, 2016
metter98 from New York
4.17/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
A: The beer is clear deep yellow in color and has no visible carbonation. It poured with a collar around the edge of the glass and lots of wispy lacing on the surface.
S: Moderate to strong aromas of lemongrass are present in the nose.
T: The taste has strong flavors of Key limes, which are especially noticeable and linger into the finish. There is a light amount of sourness.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. There is also a bit of tartness.
O: This is an interesting wild ale that transitions from aromas of lemongrass to flavors of Key lime. It is very aromatic and flavorful.
Serving type: bottle
Jan 03, 2016
4.17/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
A: The beer is clear deep yellow in color and has no visible carbonation. It poured with a collar around the edge of the glass and lots of wispy lacing on the surface.
S: Moderate to strong aromas of lemongrass are present in the nose.
T: The taste has strong flavors of Key limes, which are especially noticeable and linger into the finish. There is a light amount of sourness.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. There is also a bit of tartness.
O: This is an interesting wild ale that transitions from aromas of lemongrass to flavors of Key lime. It is very aromatic and flavorful.
Serving type: bottle
Jan 03, 2016
snaotheus from Washington
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
2015-11-10
375ml bottle split between a pair of snifters. Bottle is dated July 2015.
Pours hazy golden/light amber with a smallish head and light carbonation. Smell is LIME and general tartness. Smells tasty.
Taste is lime and lemongrass. Strong citrus aftertaste. Interesting, tasty beer.
Mouthfeel is dry, almost grainy. Overall, tasty beer. I probably wouldn't buy a case of it, but I wouldn't hesitate to drink it again.
Nov 11, 2015
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
2015-11-10
375ml bottle split between a pair of snifters. Bottle is dated July 2015.
Pours hazy golden/light amber with a smallish head and light carbonation. Smell is LIME and general tartness. Smells tasty.
Taste is lime and lemongrass. Strong citrus aftertaste. Interesting, tasty beer.
Mouthfeel is dry, almost grainy. Overall, tasty beer. I probably wouldn't buy a case of it, but I wouldn't hesitate to drink it again.
Nov 11, 2015
fmccormi from California
4.3/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Straight pour from a 375ml pry-off bottle to an oversized teku-type glass; this is from a July 2015 batch, which would put it at somewhere between three to four months old. It’s been chilled for over 24 hours, so it’s had time to settle. Not sure what condition this will be in, but I’ve been looking forward to it for a while now.
Appearance (4.0): About three fingers of ecru-colored foam rise off of the pour, capping a perfectly hazy, glowing orange body. The head dies down at a somewhat quick pace, but given the mixed fermentation it’s not too fast. A smattering of thin, foamy splotches all around the glass make up the lacing and retention. Overall, not bad—a gorgeous body, a nice but relatively short-lived head, and sparse but pretty lacing.
Smell (4.0): Lime peel, a bit of sweet cream (almost like a dollop of condensed milk), sweet lemongrass, bready, biscuity malt, and a mixture of tart funk and subtle musty note. The lemongrass in particular comes out more as it warms.
Taste (4.5): Some slightly sweetened limeade mixes with sweet lemongrass, which adds a grassy, herbal undertone at the same time. A rather tart, almost astringent lime peel note undercuts the whole palate and pops up much more assertively in the finish. All this time, there’s also a smooth, sugar cookie or pastry dough-like sweetness that represents the malt body. In this instance, that’s also where the lactose is hiding, making the malt smoother, fuller, and rounder. The brettanomyces and oak vessel funk weave themselves into the beer’s different components exceedingly cleanly and smoothly—the brett funk shows itself with a very slightly medicinal edge that hides next to the lime peel, and a mellow oaky note hangs out underneath the pastry-like malt. This is fascinating.
Mouthfeel (4.5): The body is smooth and just under medium weight, with a soft carbonation that foams up with a nice tingle on its way down. The brett and the lime peel both work against the lactose to dry it out on the palate, making for an overall very smooth, but also tart drink. This beer’s got a ton of character.
Overall (4.25): Boy oh boy, this is an odd mix in some ways, but it really works for me because of how much I like its separate ingredients. On top of that, the lime and lemongrass work simultaneously with and against the lactose and malt body, and the brett and oak offer similar counterpoints while adding depth to its other components. This is a deceptively well thought-out beer. Definitely recommended for open-minded fans of mixed culture fermentation. Crooked Stave really knows what they’re doing, eh?
Nov 04, 2015
4.3/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Straight pour from a 375ml pry-off bottle to an oversized teku-type glass; this is from a July 2015 batch, which would put it at somewhere between three to four months old. It’s been chilled for over 24 hours, so it’s had time to settle. Not sure what condition this will be in, but I’ve been looking forward to it for a while now.
Appearance (4.0): About three fingers of ecru-colored foam rise off of the pour, capping a perfectly hazy, glowing orange body. The head dies down at a somewhat quick pace, but given the mixed fermentation it’s not too fast. A smattering of thin, foamy splotches all around the glass make up the lacing and retention. Overall, not bad—a gorgeous body, a nice but relatively short-lived head, and sparse but pretty lacing.
Smell (4.0): Lime peel, a bit of sweet cream (almost like a dollop of condensed milk), sweet lemongrass, bready, biscuity malt, and a mixture of tart funk and subtle musty note. The lemongrass in particular comes out more as it warms.
Taste (4.5): Some slightly sweetened limeade mixes with sweet lemongrass, which adds a grassy, herbal undertone at the same time. A rather tart, almost astringent lime peel note undercuts the whole palate and pops up much more assertively in the finish. All this time, there’s also a smooth, sugar cookie or pastry dough-like sweetness that represents the malt body. In this instance, that’s also where the lactose is hiding, making the malt smoother, fuller, and rounder. The brettanomyces and oak vessel funk weave themselves into the beer’s different components exceedingly cleanly and smoothly—the brett funk shows itself with a very slightly medicinal edge that hides next to the lime peel, and a mellow oaky note hangs out underneath the pastry-like malt. This is fascinating.
Mouthfeel (4.5): The body is smooth and just under medium weight, with a soft carbonation that foams up with a nice tingle on its way down. The brett and the lime peel both work against the lactose to dry it out on the palate, making for an overall very smooth, but also tart drink. This beer’s got a ton of character.
Overall (4.25): Boy oh boy, this is an odd mix in some ways, but it really works for me because of how much I like its separate ingredients. On top of that, the lime and lemongrass work simultaneously with and against the lactose and malt body, and the brett and oak offer similar counterpoints while adding depth to its other components. This is a deceptively well thought-out beer. Definitely recommended for open-minded fans of mixed culture fermentation. Crooked Stave really knows what they’re doing, eh?
Nov 04, 2015
pat61 from Minnesota
4.5/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is a mixed culture fermentation aged in oak with lactose, fresh lime peel and fresh lemon grass. L: Pours clear orange amber under a 2” off-white foam cap that takes 2 minutes to reduce to a thick, clingy film. S: Tart citrusy nose with a trace of funk. Some light biscuit in the background, key lime, traces of lemon and tropical fruit with a hint of horse blanket. T: An initial hint of butter from the lactobacillus precedes a big, lemony tartness with a lime aftertaste. There are two or three layers of lemon and lime from the bacteria, the yeast and the added lemon grass and lime. Hop flavor and bitterness are low to none and malt flavor is low to moderately low. F: Has an exceptional mouth filling creaminess balanced by an intense citrusy tartness. The carbonation is medium high but very fine. The body is light. O: A very tart, complex, refreshing summer beer.
Oct 21, 2015
4.5/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is a mixed culture fermentation aged in oak with lactose, fresh lime peel and fresh lemon grass. L: Pours clear orange amber under a 2” off-white foam cap that takes 2 minutes to reduce to a thick, clingy film. S: Tart citrusy nose with a trace of funk. Some light biscuit in the background, key lime, traces of lemon and tropical fruit with a hint of horse blanket. T: An initial hint of butter from the lactobacillus precedes a big, lemony tartness with a lime aftertaste. There are two or three layers of lemon and lime from the bacteria, the yeast and the added lemon grass and lime. Hop flavor and bitterness are low to none and malt flavor is low to moderately low. F: Has an exceptional mouth filling creaminess balanced by an intense citrusy tartness. The carbonation is medium high but very fine. The body is light. O: A very tart, complex, refreshing summer beer.
Oct 21, 2015
atone315 from Wisconsin
4.46/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This beer tastes exactly what I want a key lime beer to taste like. I will definitely be hunting this one down for more. Perfect lime tart-ness backed up with a slight malty breadiness makes this brew spot on.
Oct 19, 2015
4.46/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This beer tastes exactly what I want a key lime beer to taste like. I will definitely be hunting this one down for more. Perfect lime tart-ness backed up with a slight malty breadiness makes this brew spot on.
Oct 19, 2015
Phil-Fresh from California
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2015 Edition
A: Massive sweet lime aroma with general citrus.
A: Light straw color, coupled a very faint green hue and a ring of head. Some lacing noticeable in the glass.
T: Ample upfront sweet lime, with citrus and a touch of toasted malt.
M: Soft, light bodied with light carbonation.
O: Excellent. The 600 lbs of limes really show, however there is just enough toasted malt to pick up some crust aroma and flavor, which nicely complements the sweet lime.
Oct 12, 2015
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2015 Edition
A: Massive sweet lime aroma with general citrus.
A: Light straw color, coupled a very faint green hue and a ring of head. Some lacing noticeable in the glass.
T: Ample upfront sweet lime, with citrus and a touch of toasted malt.
M: Soft, light bodied with light carbonation.
O: Excellent. The 600 lbs of limes really show, however there is just enough toasted malt to pick up some crust aroma and flavor, which nicely complements the sweet lime.
Oct 12, 2015
Moose90 from Washington
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served On-Tap!
A — Pours a pale yellow color, with almost a greenish hue to it, not absurdly green, but just a tinge. Puffy white colored head fades pretty quickly and doesn't leave much lace behind, that's okay though.
S — Smells absurdly fresh and tart, I've never smelled just a lime forward beer in my life, this is fantastic if you like lime. Takes on a bit of a vegetal and herbaceous character as it warms up as well, super lemony, grassy, almost a bit of mint to it as well.
T — Quite tart and puckery, there is a big hit of lime juice, lime peel, and lemongrass character overall. Errs on the medicinal side of the spectrum.
M — Light-Medium in body, long and lingering finish, really dries out the palate.
O — Fantastic overall, and a quite interesting concept. For the color green, this one takes the win.
Sep 22, 2015
3.99/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served On-Tap!
A — Pours a pale yellow color, with almost a greenish hue to it, not absurdly green, but just a tinge. Puffy white colored head fades pretty quickly and doesn't leave much lace behind, that's okay though.
S — Smells absurdly fresh and tart, I've never smelled just a lime forward beer in my life, this is fantastic if you like lime. Takes on a bit of a vegetal and herbaceous character as it warms up as well, super lemony, grassy, almost a bit of mint to it as well.
T — Quite tart and puckery, there is a big hit of lime juice, lime peel, and lemongrass character overall. Errs on the medicinal side of the spectrum.
M — Light-Medium in body, long and lingering finish, really dries out the palate.
O — Fantastic overall, and a quite interesting concept. For the color green, this one takes the win.
Sep 22, 2015
Ej8 from Georgia
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Crooked Stave Tap Room - September 2015
Eh. You gotta really love key lime flavor to dig this beer. Don't get me wrong, it's Crooked Stave and they can hardly do anything wrong in my opinion. But it was just too sweet and key lime'ish for me.
Sep 21, 2015
4/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Crooked Stave Tap Room - September 2015
Eh. You gotta really love key lime flavor to dig this beer. Don't get me wrong, it's Crooked Stave and they can hardly do anything wrong in my opinion. But it was just too sweet and key lime'ish for me.
Sep 21, 2015
Czequershuus from Minnesota
4.27/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This beer pours a hazy yellow with a sizeable head. The nose presents a floral aroma, likely from the lemongrass, but there is something vaguely rosy in here as well. I also get a little of piquant sourness of lime in the nose. The flavor leads with a quite tart lime flavor, mellowing out as you swallow to a tamer, berliner weisse like sour dough flavor. Overall this is an excellent beer, and I find my glass of it disappearing far too quickly.
Sep 19, 2015
4.27/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This beer pours a hazy yellow with a sizeable head. The nose presents a floral aroma, likely from the lemongrass, but there is something vaguely rosy in here as well. I also get a little of piquant sourness of lime in the nose. The flavor leads with a quite tart lime flavor, mellowing out as you swallow to a tamer, berliner weisse like sour dough flavor. Overall this is an excellent beer, and I find my glass of it disappearing far too quickly.
Sep 19, 2015
Key Lime Tau (2π) from Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
Beer rating:
91 out of
100 with
149 ratings
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