Purple Haze
Abita Brewing Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Fruit and Field Beer
Ranked #893 - ABV:
- 4.2%
- Score:
- 76
Ranked #48,819 - Avg:
- 3.32 | pDev: 19.58%
- Reviews:
- 863
- Ratings:
- From:
- Abita Brewing Co.
- Louisiana, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 130
- Gots
- 986
SCORE
76
Okay
76
Okay
Notes:
Experience the magic of Purple Haze.® Clouds of real raspberries swirl in this tart and tantalizing lager inspired by the good spirits and dark mysteries of New Orleans. Brewed with pilsner and wheat malts along with Vanguard hops, let the scent of berries in the hazy purple brew put a spell on you.
Reviews: 863
| Ratings: 3,526
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
Reviews by huddyball:
More User Reviews:
DraconusDesanctus666 from Florida
2.76/5 rDev -16.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle,into a Funky Buddha snifter.
Soapy white head that stands 1 finger tall with moderate retention and light lacing.The body is amber in color with low clarity,distorted light showing through the glass,and a good amount of sediment.Low on carbonation.
On the nose I get mostly wheat with faint hints of raspberry notes.The raspberry is so subdued it almost smells more like raspberry seed.
On the palate I get raspberry seed up front,and faint hints of wheat on the back end.Also getting alot of water flavor.Not a very good tasting beer.It almost tastes like raspberry flavored water.
The mouth feel is water thin,with slight hints of oxidation on the tongue.
To be honest this isn't a terrible beer,but it isn't very good either.Lacking flavor and aroma,plus water thin.I would not recommend,and will not drink it again.
Mar 21, 2017
2.76/5 rDev -16.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.5
Poured from a 12 oz bottle,into a Funky Buddha snifter.
Soapy white head that stands 1 finger tall with moderate retention and light lacing.The body is amber in color with low clarity,distorted light showing through the glass,and a good amount of sediment.Low on carbonation.
On the nose I get mostly wheat with faint hints of raspberry notes.The raspberry is so subdued it almost smells more like raspberry seed.
On the palate I get raspberry seed up front,and faint hints of wheat on the back end.Also getting alot of water flavor.Not a very good tasting beer.It almost tastes like raspberry flavored water.
The mouth feel is water thin,with slight hints of oxidation on the tongue.
To be honest this isn't a terrible beer,but it isn't very good either.Lacking flavor and aroma,plus water thin.I would not recommend,and will not drink it again.
Mar 21, 2017
BrianQuinn from Pennsylvania
4.2/5 rDev +26.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Underrated beer. Very creative and refreshing, but still tastes like a beer and not a girly substitute.
Mar 11, 2015
4.2/5 rDev +26.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Underrated beer. Very creative and refreshing, but still tastes like a beer and not a girly substitute.
Mar 11, 2015
brighteyes868 from Pennsylvania
4.71/5 rDev +41.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Nice mouth feel, nice raspberry flavor. Easy drink.
Mar 20, 2015
4.71/5 rDev +41.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Nice mouth feel, nice raspberry flavor. Easy drink.
Mar 20, 2015
buckslayer50 from Florida
3.95/5 rDev +19%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Great light beer for out on the boat, just easy to drink
Feb 25, 2015
3.95/5 rDev +19%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Great light beer for out on the boat, just easy to drink
Feb 25, 2015
Bali_hi from California
4.47/5 rDev +34.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle of purple haze drank.
Mar 11, 2015
4.47/5 rDev +34.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle of purple haze drank.
Mar 11, 2015
ChillZilla from Ohio
1.89/5 rDev -43.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 1.5
I was actually really excited about this beer based on the reviews on this website, but I've never not finished a beer before this one. I took three drinks and poured it into my toilet, where it belongs. I've never tried fruity feces before, but I think this is as close as it gets. Stay away, or make sure you have a chaser that eliminates fermented blueberry butthole taste.
May 27, 2017
1.89/5 rDev -43.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 1.5
I was actually really excited about this beer based on the reviews on this website, but I've never not finished a beer before this one. I took three drinks and poured it into my toilet, where it belongs. I've never tried fruity feces before, but I think this is as close as it gets. Stay away, or make sure you have a chaser that eliminates fermented blueberry butthole taste.
May 27, 2017
SwooshRebel from Mississippi
4.01/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This is a good beer if you just want to mix it up. I think this is a good example of how beer and fermented beverages are solidly progressing within the micro-brew world. Beer drinker's tastes are evolving with this trend. This brew has a strong head and I love the way the tart berry balances out with the malty grains. It's a really weird but oddly complimentary and complex choice of flavors. Works for me.
Feb 17, 2018
4.01/5 rDev +20.8%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This is a good beer if you just want to mix it up. I think this is a good example of how beer and fermented beverages are solidly progressing within the micro-brew world. Beer drinker's tastes are evolving with this trend. This brew has a strong head and I love the way the tart berry balances out with the malty grains. It's a really weird but oddly complimentary and complex choice of flavors. Works for me.
Feb 17, 2018
RLBarron
5/5 rDev +50.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I don't have much experience with other fruit beers so I have no basis for comparison.
Being a fan of the Abita brand, and looking for something refreshing during our current heatwave, I opted for this raspberry beer. Upon opening the beer I was impressed by the raspberry aroma. It wasn't overpowering, just enough to let you know it was there.
My next impression was the taste. Since I drank the first one on the way home from the beer shop (I know, I know), I didn't get to look at it first. With the temperature hovering at about 107, in a car with poor air conditioning and windows that are stuck about 3 inches down, I found this to be the most refreshing drink of anything I had ever had. I am a fan of wheat beers, and this did not disappoint. The raspberry flavor was perfect, not too much, not look weak. The tartness added to a crisp mouthfeel that made it the perfect summertime beer.
Once I got home, I poured one in a glass, and was immediately taken by the color. The pale yellow tinged with a "purple haze" was truly unique. The head was on the thin side, but no beer is perfect.
Jun 30, 2012
5/5 rDev +50.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I don't have much experience with other fruit beers so I have no basis for comparison.
Being a fan of the Abita brand, and looking for something refreshing during our current heatwave, I opted for this raspberry beer. Upon opening the beer I was impressed by the raspberry aroma. It wasn't overpowering, just enough to let you know it was there.
My next impression was the taste. Since I drank the first one on the way home from the beer shop (I know, I know), I didn't get to look at it first. With the temperature hovering at about 107, in a car with poor air conditioning and windows that are stuck about 3 inches down, I found this to be the most refreshing drink of anything I had ever had. I am a fan of wheat beers, and this did not disappoint. The raspberry flavor was perfect, not too much, not look weak. The tartness added to a crisp mouthfeel that made it the perfect summertime beer.
Once I got home, I poured one in a glass, and was immediately taken by the color. The pale yellow tinged with a "purple haze" was truly unique. The head was on the thin side, but no beer is perfect.
Jun 30, 2012
Bdc from Oklahoma
2.75/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Sampled on draft, Flying Saucer, Ft. Worth, Tx. A hazy orange beer with a minimal, white head. Raspberry and floral aroma. Raspberries dominate the flavor to the exclusion of practically all other ingredients. Smooth and easy-drinking. The cool name outshines the quality of the beer.
Oct 25, 2004
2.75/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Sampled on draft, Flying Saucer, Ft. Worth, Tx. A hazy orange beer with a minimal, white head. Raspberry and floral aroma. Raspberries dominate the flavor to the exclusion of practically all other ingredients. Smooth and easy-drinking. The cool name outshines the quality of the beer.
Oct 25, 2004
ChrisCage from Canada (AB)
4.12/5 rDev +24.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Picked this up while on vacation in NOLA!!
A- Pours a very hazy gold with noticeable pink-ish tones....there is raspberry pulp floating around as well. The head is nice and white, but it isn't very thick. It does, however, retain quite nicely. I can't tell much about the carbonation as it is too cloudy but it has very sticky lacing that clumps well onto the side of the glass.
S- The aroma is fresh raspberry dominant, and not in an overwhelming fashion. There are underlying aromas of tart wheat malt, grain and yeast. The finish is fruity and natural smelling.
T- The flavors I don't feel are as strong as the aromas, but this is a very good thing! There is nice flavorful malt right up front with mild sweet berry fruit...not really tart at all. The finish is slightly biscuit like with some creamy yeasty tones....
M- A very refreshing beer that is quite well balanced overall. There is plenty of carbonation bursting on the palate, but the bubbles are generally small, allowing all the flavors to be noticed well. The body leans towards medium, as it's not real watery but it's so thirst quenching that you don't want to consider that it's thick(er). Reminds me of a nice fruit pastry that hasn't been overrun with sugar.
O- A perfect summer beer but at the same time, I could probably enjoy this on a regular basis. Would love to see this in my area, as it's well balanced, the alcohol is hidden very good, and there is a freshness about it that puts it in it's own class amongst fruit beers...nothing artificial tasting about this one. Great job to Abita!
Feb 06, 2012
4.12/5 rDev +24.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Picked this up while on vacation in NOLA!!
A- Pours a very hazy gold with noticeable pink-ish tones....there is raspberry pulp floating around as well. The head is nice and white, but it isn't very thick. It does, however, retain quite nicely. I can't tell much about the carbonation as it is too cloudy but it has very sticky lacing that clumps well onto the side of the glass.
S- The aroma is fresh raspberry dominant, and not in an overwhelming fashion. There are underlying aromas of tart wheat malt, grain and yeast. The finish is fruity and natural smelling.
T- The flavors I don't feel are as strong as the aromas, but this is a very good thing! There is nice flavorful malt right up front with mild sweet berry fruit...not really tart at all. The finish is slightly biscuit like with some creamy yeasty tones....
M- A very refreshing beer that is quite well balanced overall. There is plenty of carbonation bursting on the palate, but the bubbles are generally small, allowing all the flavors to be noticed well. The body leans towards medium, as it's not real watery but it's so thirst quenching that you don't want to consider that it's thick(er). Reminds me of a nice fruit pastry that hasn't been overrun with sugar.
O- A perfect summer beer but at the same time, I could probably enjoy this on a regular basis. Would love to see this in my area, as it's well balanced, the alcohol is hidden very good, and there is a freshness about it that puts it in it's own class amongst fruit beers...nothing artificial tasting about this one. Great job to Abita!
Feb 06, 2012
Frosty80 from Michigan
3.09/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Color: cloudy golden. like a hefeweizen
Smell: slight raspberry and wheat
Taste: like a light wheat beer with enough razz to balance.
Mouthfeel: low carbonation. crisp and clean.
Notes: not a bad beer. if you like wheat beers and raspberry you should like this. the raspberry is present enough to offer balance and flavor without being overwhelming
Jan 14, 2009
3.09/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Color: cloudy golden. like a hefeweizen
Smell: slight raspberry and wheat
Taste: like a light wheat beer with enough razz to balance.
Mouthfeel: low carbonation. crisp and clean.
Notes: not a bad beer. if you like wheat beers and raspberry you should like this. the raspberry is present enough to offer balance and flavor without being overwhelming
Jan 14, 2009
deadonhisfeet from Kentucky
3.4/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a bottle into a Bell's tulip. The pour is amber with a touch of red and sports about a finger of frothy white head which quickly dies down to a thin lacing. I definitely get some fruit on the nose, but it smells more like grapes than raspberries. There is also a faint lemony note and a wheat-like character.
The beer has a light body and a bright, fruity flavor. There is a nice cracker-like graininess up front. It's met by a nice barrage of fruit flavors, primarily raspberry and grape. Unfortunately, they flavors don't quite carry through the finish and it's a bit bland in the back of the mouth.
I have had this beer at tastings once or twice and decided to give it a review. I'm surprised this is a lager since I get a distinct wheat-beer character and no distinct malt flavor. Not really something to seek out, but still a nice easy-drinking and refreshing beer on a hot summer afternoon.
Aug 07, 2013
3.4/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a bottle into a Bell's tulip. The pour is amber with a touch of red and sports about a finger of frothy white head which quickly dies down to a thin lacing. I definitely get some fruit on the nose, but it smells more like grapes than raspberries. There is also a faint lemony note and a wheat-like character.
The beer has a light body and a bright, fruity flavor. There is a nice cracker-like graininess up front. It's met by a nice barrage of fruit flavors, primarily raspberry and grape. Unfortunately, they flavors don't quite carry through the finish and it's a bit bland in the back of the mouth.
I have had this beer at tastings once or twice and decided to give it a review. I'm surprised this is a lager since I get a distinct wheat-beer character and no distinct malt flavor. Not really something to seek out, but still a nice easy-drinking and refreshing beer on a hot summer afternoon.
Aug 07, 2013
StoutBrotha602 from Arizona
3.75/5 rDev +13%
Good Beer i had this on a evening with they guys at my old job in a sushi eatery/pub.. taste good.. but leaves more to be desired...
Oct 03, 2014
3.75/5 rDev +13%
Good Beer i had this on a evening with they guys at my old job in a sushi eatery/pub.. taste good.. but leaves more to be desired...
Oct 03, 2014
bluesyasian from Texas
3.45/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Sep 18, 2015
3.45/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Sep 18, 2015
drpimento from Wisconsin
2/5 rDev -39.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2
Poured with a great huge white foamy frothy fluffy head and lots of lace. Color is a hazy amber. Aroma is weird: raspberry and skunk. Got this at a quick mart type store and even given the brown glass, who knows how this beer was stored. But, by the time I got to drink it, it had warmed a bit and I can't imagine how that improved my experience. Flavor was similar to aroma. Body is thin and carbonation is ok. Finish is like flavor and diminished by body. Am looking for the sedative effect of alcohol right now prior to my trip tomorrow and cant finish this beer. Wa.
May 30, 2010
2/5 rDev -39.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2
Poured with a great huge white foamy frothy fluffy head and lots of lace. Color is a hazy amber. Aroma is weird: raspberry and skunk. Got this at a quick mart type store and even given the brown glass, who knows how this beer was stored. But, by the time I got to drink it, it had warmed a bit and I can't imagine how that improved my experience. Flavor was similar to aroma. Body is thin and carbonation is ok. Finish is like flavor and diminished by body. Am looking for the sedative effect of alcohol right now prior to my trip tomorrow and cant finish this beer. Wa.
May 30, 2010
jar2574 from Missouri
3/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Very little head on this one. Clear, highly carbonated beer. Very little lacing. Mildly fruity smell, mildly malty as well. Taste is also pretty mild, more malts than hops. The mouthfeel is sort of boring, a carbonated, light, macro brew feel.
You get the raspberry flavor but it's not that strong. Much less fruity than most fruit beers. It's an inoffensive, pleasant tasting, slightly fruity beer that is fine for a hot summer day.
Jun 02, 2012
3/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Very little head on this one. Clear, highly carbonated beer. Very little lacing. Mildly fruity smell, mildly malty as well. Taste is also pretty mild, more malts than hops. The mouthfeel is sort of boring, a carbonated, light, macro brew feel.
You get the raspberry flavor but it's not that strong. Much less fruity than most fruit beers. It's an inoffensive, pleasant tasting, slightly fruity beer that is fine for a hot summer day.
Jun 02, 2012
u2carew from Massachusetts
3.03/5 rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
12oz can
A) Pours with a two finger head. Settles to a thin lacing on top and at the edge of the glass. Fairly clear body, bronze in color.
S) Hints of raspberry. Subtle grain.
T) Sweetened raspberries. Hints of honey. Grainy in the finish.
M) Light body. Mellow carbonation. Dry finish.
O) A decent summertime brew. The raspberry flavor seems too artificial and sweetened. Regardless I'd drink another one.
Apr 20, 2012
3.03/5 rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
12oz can
A) Pours with a two finger head. Settles to a thin lacing on top and at the edge of the glass. Fairly clear body, bronze in color.
S) Hints of raspberry. Subtle grain.
T) Sweetened raspberries. Hints of honey. Grainy in the finish.
M) Light body. Mellow carbonation. Dry finish.
O) A decent summertime brew. The raspberry flavor seems too artificial and sweetened. Regardless I'd drink another one.
Apr 20, 2012
Purple Haze from Abita Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
76 out of
100 with
3526 ratings
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