Jelly King - Apricot
Bellwoods Brewery

 

 

 

 

Fruit beers can sometimes be a little ambiguous but not Apricot Jelly King - it not only unmistakably tastes and smells like apricot puree but really, really looks like it too. Its extremely turbid and nectarous complexion is not necessarily flattering but does make a clear statement: no syrup or 'flavour' was needed.

Though you might be forgiven for assuming some was added anyway - this is probably the most concentrated and nectarous bouquet I've ever smelled in a fruit beer. So vividly apricot jelly-like that it impressively out muscles five strains of lactobacillus. It smells tart, albeit like overripe fruit not funky bacteria.

But don't count the yeast out just yet! In the mere few weeks since it's bottling it's already managed to mount a considerable comeback on that pulpy, marmalade-like flavour to regain a few of those territories on the palate that seemed to have so clearly been stolen when tasted on the first day of release.

As a general rule I don't question Bellwoods on anything. My one criticism about this easy-to-like beer, however, is that Jelly King was not the best base for apricots; something so heavily dry-hopped with Citra and Amarillo that bursts with razor-sharp lemony citrus highly contrasts with a stone fruit like apricot.

I want that opinion on the record but will admit that when something is as brilliant and tasty as Jelly King, and when there's so much sweet and remarkably concentrated jam/jelly flavour as result of adding real apricot puree, well, I'm a lot less likely to nitpick on minor details. So I won't. This stuff's really damn enjoyable.

A one-off (I believe) version of Jelly King with apricot. Body is opaque orange. Nose is apricot heavy, especially as it warms. No mistaking what is in here! Citrus and tropical fruits are there as well, but drowned out a bit. Flavour is a similar story. Loads of apricot and some bright citrus. Tart but not overly sour. Overall I prefer the regular version but this is a nice twist that works well. Great on a hot weekend like this one!