Kiwi Herman
Alpine Beer Company
Beer Geek Stats
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- Style:
- Wild Ale
- ABV:
- 6%
- Score:
- 100
- Avg:
- 4.54 | pDev: 7.71%
- Reviews:
- 47
- Ratings:
- From:
- Alpine Beer Company
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 290
- Gots
- 33
SCORE
100
World-Class
100
World-Class
Notes:
Barrel-aged Lambic-style Ale with kiwi and strawberry
An Alpine cult-classic, this Belgian Lambic-style beer is aged in French oak red and white wine barrels for several months and we add kiwis and strawberries. It is golden-hued, tart and bright, with punchy notes of strawberry that dominate, and a kick of kiwi on the finish.
An Alpine cult-classic, this Belgian Lambic-style beer is aged in French oak red and white wine barrels for several months and we add kiwis and strawberries. It is golden-hued, tart and bright, with punchy notes of strawberry that dominate, and a kick of kiwi on the finish.
Reviews: 47
| Ratings: 297
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Vidblain from Minnesota
4.46/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
I sat on this bottle for a bit - I was afraid that the fruit had fallen off and it would just be a funky sour. Thankfully, age has done this zero harm... the beer is quite fragrant, instantly - tons of strawberry to the nose with some sour notes as well. I didn't catch the kiwi, but I don't know kiwi all that well, honestly.
As this beer warmed up, it became teeth-meltingly sour. I'm still amazed by how sour it is. My mouth was actually hurting when I finished it - amazing stuff. It's also just a bit funky, for depth of taste. Tons of strawberry, funk, and sour - it's a full spectrum experience, with nice body and carbonation.
This bottle was well-worth the wait, and the price tag. Super pleased with this beer!
Apr 26, 2019
4.46/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
I sat on this bottle for a bit - I was afraid that the fruit had fallen off and it would just be a funky sour. Thankfully, age has done this zero harm... the beer is quite fragrant, instantly - tons of strawberry to the nose with some sour notes as well. I didn't catch the kiwi, but I don't know kiwi all that well, honestly.
As this beer warmed up, it became teeth-meltingly sour. I'm still amazed by how sour it is. My mouth was actually hurting when I finished it - amazing stuff. It's also just a bit funky, for depth of taste. Tons of strawberry, funk, and sour - it's a full spectrum experience, with nice body and carbonation.
This bottle was well-worth the wait, and the price tag. Super pleased with this beer!
Apr 26, 2019
rand from California
4.84/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On tap at the brewery from their last release, December 15 2017. Poured into tulip glass
Reviewed from notes.
Kiwi Herman Light golden tan appearance, no head, red wine vinegar, raspberry, tropical nose. Crisp, lactic acid, unripe raspberries kiwi. Starts crisp and tart, more fruity mid-sip. Closes with a quick, clean, finish with touches of red wine vinegar lingering.
Lives up to the hype. Only got a taste from the first release, this tastes better fresh.
Apr 12, 2018
4.84/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
On tap at the brewery from their last release, December 15 2017. Poured into tulip glass
Reviewed from notes.
Kiwi Herman Light golden tan appearance, no head, red wine vinegar, raspberry, tropical nose. Crisp, lactic acid, unripe raspberries kiwi. Starts crisp and tart, more fruity mid-sip. Closes with a quick, clean, finish with touches of red wine vinegar lingering.
Lives up to the hype. Only got a taste from the first release, this tastes better fresh.
Apr 12, 2018
rabbott2 from Illinois
4.28/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2017 batch drank on 3/15/2018
Overall this was a fine beer to finally be able to try. The mix of barrels and fruits brought a nice complexity of flavors to this. The kiwi presence was really unique and pleasant. There was a good amount of tartness and while it drank really well, there was an unpleasant finish. A sugary, bitter aftertaste hit me and it really was not enjoyable. The only negative I have on this but the rest was great.
Mar 16, 2018
4.28/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2017 batch drank on 3/15/2018
Overall this was a fine beer to finally be able to try. The mix of barrels and fruits brought a nice complexity of flavors to this. The kiwi presence was really unique and pleasant. There was a good amount of tartness and while it drank really well, there was an unpleasant finish. A sugary, bitter aftertaste hit me and it really was not enjoyable. The only negative I have on this but the rest was great.
Mar 16, 2018
gcamparone from Rhode Island
4.4/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Thanks Ryan for Sharing. 16 oz bottle into a tulip.
Lightly red orange body
Smell - lightly tart and fruity with a malty biscuit aroma. On the tongue is lots of sour strawberry notes, lactic acidity, straw, on the aftertaste is biscuits, bready yeast , Corn. Like strawberry shortcake or corn bread with strawberries. Interesting beer, very tasty. Not a ton of kiwi flavor.
Mar 13, 2018
4.4/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Thanks Ryan for Sharing. 16 oz bottle into a tulip.
Lightly red orange body
Smell - lightly tart and fruity with a malty biscuit aroma. On the tongue is lots of sour strawberry notes, lactic acidity, straw, on the aftertaste is biscuits, bready yeast , Corn. Like strawberry shortcake or corn bread with strawberries. Interesting beer, very tasty. Not a ton of kiwi flavor.
Mar 13, 2018
RAlmeida77 from Massachusetts
4.35/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Most recent batch poured into a stemmed tulip. Golden amber in color. Very minimal head that dissipates quick. Aroma of lactic acid in subtle fruit. Taste is strawberry, kiwi and some biscuit. Tastes like a sour strawberry shortcake. Feel is light bodied with good carbonation. Overall, this is a well done fruited sour. My only gripe would be that I think it’s just a touch too sour for me.
Mar 04, 2018
4.35/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Most recent batch poured into a stemmed tulip. Golden amber in color. Very minimal head that dissipates quick. Aroma of lactic acid in subtle fruit. Taste is strawberry, kiwi and some biscuit. Tastes like a sour strawberry shortcake. Feel is light bodied with good carbonation. Overall, this is a well done fruited sour. My only gripe would be that I think it’s just a touch too sour for me.
Mar 04, 2018
Fireman_RK from North Carolina
4.67/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
L: Slightly hazy golden and dark peach hues with a frothy white head and minimal lacing/retention
S: Ripe strawberries with a mild funk
T: Crisp and clean strawberry profile up front that is supported by a healthy dose of Belgian yeast and finishes with a refreshing sour kiwi smoothness
F: Medium to light bodied with ample carb
O: Enjoyable and crisp tart fruited sour - Alpine did an incredible job with this one. Likely perfect for a hot summer day, but it does wonders on a cold winter evening as well!
Jan 15, 2018
4.67/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
L: Slightly hazy golden and dark peach hues with a frothy white head and minimal lacing/retention
S: Ripe strawberries with a mild funk
T: Crisp and clean strawberry profile up front that is supported by a healthy dose of Belgian yeast and finishes with a refreshing sour kiwi smoothness
F: Medium to light bodied with ample carb
O: Enjoyable and crisp tart fruited sour - Alpine did an incredible job with this one. Likely perfect for a hot summer day, but it does wonders on a cold winter evening as well!
Jan 15, 2018
fireazzi from Massachusetts
5/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I've had this a bunch all batch 1. It's like sour snapple kiwi strawberry
Nose smells like sour strawberry
Taste is kiwi strawberry nice Smooth taste.
Nice color. Mouth feel is sour nice fruit forward sour.
Dec 17, 2017
5/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I've had this a bunch all batch 1. It's like sour snapple kiwi strawberry
Nose smells like sour strawberry
Taste is kiwi strawberry nice Smooth taste.
Nice color. Mouth feel is sour nice fruit forward sour.
Dec 17, 2017
rodmanfor3 from Vermont
4.71/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
L: Pours a golden/copal with minimal head
S: Kimi and strawberry, in that order
T: Terrific sour notes melding with a sweet, almost candied fruit flavor, first coming with a wave of kiwi, then finishing with strawberry
F: Slightly under carbonated but refreshing with a dry finish
O: One of the most surprising delights of recent tastings. Certainly the best use of kiwi I have ever tasted in a beer.
Nov 06, 2016
4.71/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
L: Pours a golden/copal with minimal head
S: Kimi and strawberry, in that order
T: Terrific sour notes melding with a sweet, almost candied fruit flavor, first coming with a wave of kiwi, then finishing with strawberry
F: Slightly under carbonated but refreshing with a dry finish
O: One of the most surprising delights of recent tastings. Certainly the best use of kiwi I have ever tasted in a beer.
Nov 06, 2016
Stevedore from Oregon
4.23/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
500ml bottle. Served in a stemmed glass.
Pours a light straw yellow body, one finger white head with good retention; medium collar with no lacing. Smells of mostly the base sour blonde, with lactic acid, a bit of grainy cereal sweetness, faint strawberry fruit sweetness. I couldn't find the kiwi there, but I think the acetic aspects of it is interspersing in with the lactic acid on the aroma. Flavour brings out a little bit more of the strawberry, which is subtle still. It's there, kind of like a acetic strawberry flavoured yogurt with a small drizzle of lemon and oak; then the strawberry fades and there is a moderate acetic and lactic acidic kick that finish things off. It's interesting, and it kinda works. It's certainly different. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, somewhat creamy, fades a bit on the finish as the sour fades, leaving not a whole lot to ponder. It's a relatively simple beer that I believe accomplishes the intent of the brewer, which is to integrate strawberry and kiwi in a sour blonde without trying to blow peoples' palates away.
May 02, 2016
4.23/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
500ml bottle. Served in a stemmed glass.
Pours a light straw yellow body, one finger white head with good retention; medium collar with no lacing. Smells of mostly the base sour blonde, with lactic acid, a bit of grainy cereal sweetness, faint strawberry fruit sweetness. I couldn't find the kiwi there, but I think the acetic aspects of it is interspersing in with the lactic acid on the aroma. Flavour brings out a little bit more of the strawberry, which is subtle still. It's there, kind of like a acetic strawberry flavoured yogurt with a small drizzle of lemon and oak; then the strawberry fades and there is a moderate acetic and lactic acidic kick that finish things off. It's interesting, and it kinda works. It's certainly different. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, somewhat creamy, fades a bit on the finish as the sour fades, leaving not a whole lot to ponder. It's a relatively simple beer that I believe accomplishes the intent of the brewer, which is to integrate strawberry and kiwi in a sour blonde without trying to blow peoples' palates away.
May 02, 2016
jvillefan from New York
4.88/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
This is one of the rare beers that I will say is worth the hype. This is in my top 5 sour beers. The nose start with a 50/50 blend of sweet and sour. The sour is acidic, citrus, and farmhouse. The sweet is strawberry, caramel, and tropical fruit. The flavor matches but brings the beer to the next level. The balance and flavor is nearly unparalleled. There is the sour and tart from the microflora that is the best of any sour out there. The sweetness from the fruits is there. The strawberry is more dominate then the kiwi but both are present. Well done Alpine, I hope they bring this beer back.
Nov 22, 2015
4.88/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
This is one of the rare beers that I will say is worth the hype. This is in my top 5 sour beers. The nose start with a 50/50 blend of sweet and sour. The sour is acidic, citrus, and farmhouse. The sweet is strawberry, caramel, and tropical fruit. The flavor matches but brings the beer to the next level. The balance and flavor is nearly unparalleled. There is the sour and tart from the microflora that is the best of any sour out there. The sweetness from the fruits is there. The strawberry is more dominate then the kiwi but both are present. Well done Alpine, I hope they bring this beer back.
Nov 22, 2015
imonhiatus from New Jersey
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
split this bottle with my buddy paul. really nice and delicate sour with nice kiwi notes. the thing that makes it dance in your mouth is the strawberry. I find that strawberry is a hard flavor to convey well in a beer and this one kills it. very good, but not sure it was worth the price of admission.
Nov 08, 2015
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
split this bottle with my buddy paul. really nice and delicate sour with nice kiwi notes. the thing that makes it dance in your mouth is the strawberry. I find that strawberry is a hard flavor to convey well in a beer and this one kills it. very good, but not sure it was worth the price of admission.
Nov 08, 2015
mythaeus from Pennsylvania
4.03/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured light golden. Nose mostly of strawberry. I think the Kiwi was thrown in just for the name. Taste follows nose, medium tartness, uneventful. Thin body. Not much going on in this beer, very forgettable other than the fact that it rode the Chez train giving the ultimate testament to name hype.
Oct 30, 2015
4.03/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured light golden. Nose mostly of strawberry. I think the Kiwi was thrown in just for the name. Taste follows nose, medium tartness, uneventful. Thin body. Not much going on in this beer, very forgettable other than the fact that it rode the Chez train giving the ultimate testament to name hype.
Oct 30, 2015
Kurmaraja from California
4.24/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aroma is distinctly kiwi and strawberry but has a hint of artificiality to it that bothers me; a kind of candied, crystal light fruit tone ... bag of Haribo gummy candies. Flavor is light and clean, spritzy and refreshing, light balanced acidity. Drinks more like an artisinal Bartles & James / wine cooler than a beer. The base is transparent to the point of being virtually non-existent. Tasty but something of a novelty, lacking in real complexity.
Oct 04, 2015
4.24/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aroma is distinctly kiwi and strawberry but has a hint of artificiality to it that bothers me; a kind of candied, crystal light fruit tone ... bag of Haribo gummy candies. Flavor is light and clean, spritzy and refreshing, light balanced acidity. Drinks more like an artisinal Bartles & James / wine cooler than a beer. The base is transparent to the point of being virtually non-existent. Tasty but something of a novelty, lacking in real complexity.
Oct 04, 2015
Prospero from Colorado
4.69/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pour is a nice light golden amber with a medium white head that lasts a couple minutes. Aroma is a slight kiwi presence with a good amount of oak and white grapes. The strawberry kiwi combo comes through in the flavor and balances the oak and acetic acid nicely with a good middle of the road sourness. Mouthfeel is very effervescent, great overall.
Sep 08, 2015
4.69/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pour is a nice light golden amber with a medium white head that lasts a couple minutes. Aroma is a slight kiwi presence with a good amount of oak and white grapes. The strawberry kiwi combo comes through in the flavor and balances the oak and acetic acid nicely with a good middle of the road sourness. Mouthfeel is very effervescent, great overall.
Sep 08, 2015
GRG1313 from California
3.59/5 rDev -20.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
This one has been very elusive for me and I was excited to try it. (And with great thanks to the person who opened it at our tasting 8/22/15; very generous of you).
However, I simply do not get the hype or ratings or reviews for this beer. Don't get me wrong - it's a decent wild ale, but that's about it. One person's assessment was that it was highly rated since it is so difficult to use strawberries and get some strawberry character into the beer. Perhaps. However, I still really don't get it.
Pours a light amber with an extremely fast fading head. Nose is extremely modest of fruit and there is a hint of strawberry. Candidly, it may be there because you want it to be there, not because it really is. Nose is pleasant, acidic and typical of most good American sours/wild ales.
Mouth feel is decent and while nicely tart it is somewhat out of balance for a beer that gets such high ratings. I found it overly acidic (and I love acid!) and a bit too fruit vinegar for me.
Perhaps the most disappointing was the flavor profile and tastes. There was some light tart citrus tones and, perhaps some strawberry and kiwi notes because you want them to be there.
This is a solid beer and decent sour. I admit to being a "grader" that actually follows the newer rating system as implemented by the Bros. My old scores tended to be higher because a "4" was very good. Now, a "4" is Outstanding. Well, to me outstanding means just that; it doesn't mean very good or really good or excellent - it means outstanding. This is a good beer; maybe even a very good beer. It is not outstanding. Worth a try; not even sure I'd go back for more. Just my opinion.
Aug 23, 2015
3.59/5 rDev -20.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
This one has been very elusive for me and I was excited to try it. (And with great thanks to the person who opened it at our tasting 8/22/15; very generous of you).
However, I simply do not get the hype or ratings or reviews for this beer. Don't get me wrong - it's a decent wild ale, but that's about it. One person's assessment was that it was highly rated since it is so difficult to use strawberries and get some strawberry character into the beer. Perhaps. However, I still really don't get it.
Pours a light amber with an extremely fast fading head. Nose is extremely modest of fruit and there is a hint of strawberry. Candidly, it may be there because you want it to be there, not because it really is. Nose is pleasant, acidic and typical of most good American sours/wild ales.
Mouth feel is decent and while nicely tart it is somewhat out of balance for a beer that gets such high ratings. I found it overly acidic (and I love acid!) and a bit too fruit vinegar for me.
Perhaps the most disappointing was the flavor profile and tastes. There was some light tart citrus tones and, perhaps some strawberry and kiwi notes because you want them to be there.
This is a solid beer and decent sour. I admit to being a "grader" that actually follows the newer rating system as implemented by the Bros. My old scores tended to be higher because a "4" was very good. Now, a "4" is Outstanding. Well, to me outstanding means just that; it doesn't mean very good or really good or excellent - it means outstanding. This is a good beer; maybe even a very good beer. It is not outstanding. Worth a try; not even sure I'd go back for more. Just my opinion.
Aug 23, 2015
Rutager from Canada (BC)
4.4/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Great nose of strawberry and can even get the kiwi if I look for it along with some woody wine barrel notes. Taste is very similar. Tart fresh strawberry, some sour kiwi. wine barrel and very light funk. Thanks so much cocoapuph!!
Aug 21, 2015
4.4/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Great nose of strawberry and can even get the kiwi if I look for it along with some woody wine barrel notes. Taste is very similar. Tart fresh strawberry, some sour kiwi. wine barrel and very light funk. Thanks so much cocoapuph!!
Aug 21, 2015
cpetrone84 from Pennsylvania
3.42/5 rDev -24.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pour is golden amber with a fizzy white head. Nose has a moderate oak presence, fleshy kiwi fruit, white grape, hint acetic. Flavor follows suit, nothing excessively bright but nothing glaringly wrong. Light plastic phenol is blended with oak and white grapes, slightly vinous, kiwi is fleshy and ripe, lightly acetic through the finish. Soft body, moderate carb, a touch syrupy and heavy.
Jul 28, 2015
3.42/5 rDev -24.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pour is golden amber with a fizzy white head. Nose has a moderate oak presence, fleshy kiwi fruit, white grape, hint acetic. Flavor follows suit, nothing excessively bright but nothing glaringly wrong. Light plastic phenol is blended with oak and white grapes, slightly vinous, kiwi is fleshy and ripe, lightly acetic through the finish. Soft body, moderate carb, a touch syrupy and heavy.
Jul 28, 2015
SoCalBeerIdiot from California
4.25/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Definitely get the strawberry--get the sour of the kiwi but not so much the sweetness. Had it fresh and then again about 3 months old. Definitely better fresh.
Jun 13, 2015
4.25/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Definitely get the strawberry--get the sour of the kiwi but not so much the sweetness. Had it fresh and then again about 3 months old. Definitely better fresh.
Jun 13, 2015
Huhzubendah from District of Columbia
4.45/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottle shared by ygtsbm94. Thanks Brad!
Golden yellow body, mild haze, small collar that fades rapidly. Aromas of tart citrus, kiwi, lime. Delicious flavor. Light and tart. Strawberry finish. Fruity with a mild acetic character. Nice.
Jun 06, 2015
4.45/5 rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottle shared by ygtsbm94. Thanks Brad!
Golden yellow body, mild haze, small collar that fades rapidly. Aromas of tart citrus, kiwi, lime. Delicious flavor. Light and tart. Strawberry finish. Fruity with a mild acetic character. Nice.
Jun 06, 2015
GeorgeCarroll from Pennsylvania
4.24/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Was not as impressed by this as I had hoped. This is a good beer, but the flavors were a bit muted. The hype around this far exceeded its taste. Very good beer, but there are many others of similar quality. The best part was the funk at the bottom, which is where the flavors really came through.
Jun 01, 2015
4.24/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Was not as impressed by this as I had hoped. This is a good beer, but the flavors were a bit muted. The hype around this far exceeded its taste. Very good beer, but there are many others of similar quality. The best part was the funk at the bottom, which is where the flavors really came through.
Jun 01, 2015
GreesyFizeek from New York
4.81/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Bottle shared by Curran tonight, thanks man.
This one pours a light orange, with a quarter inch head, and no lacing.
This one smells so unbelievably strawberry forward, with a little bit of kiwi, and some fresh lactic sourness. Smells really clean and nice.
The strawberry is much stronger in the taste than the aroma. The fruits are switched here, the kiwi is stronger in the taste than the strawberry. There's some sour citrus, hay, and some funk, with some clean and delicious lactic sourness. This is one of the cleanest sours I've ever had, very refreshing.
This has a light body, and a crisp, slightly biting mouthfeel. It's super, super drinkable with a moderate amount of carbonation.
This is in the top 3 American Wild Ales I've ever had. Unbelievably tasty, and really well done.
May 20, 2015
4.81/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Bottle shared by Curran tonight, thanks man.
This one pours a light orange, with a quarter inch head, and no lacing.
This one smells so unbelievably strawberry forward, with a little bit of kiwi, and some fresh lactic sourness. Smells really clean and nice.
The strawberry is much stronger in the taste than the aroma. The fruits are switched here, the kiwi is stronger in the taste than the strawberry. There's some sour citrus, hay, and some funk, with some clean and delicious lactic sourness. This is one of the cleanest sours I've ever had, very refreshing.
This has a light body, and a crisp, slightly biting mouthfeel. It's super, super drinkable with a moderate amount of carbonation.
This is in the top 3 American Wild Ales I've ever had. Unbelievably tasty, and really well done.
May 20, 2015
hopabomination from Rhode Island
5/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Opened up this bottle last night after sitting on it for a few months.
Absolutely stunning, strawberries and kiwi are still very present and the tartness gives it a nice balance. Nicely carbonated and nice vibrant color.
Apr 15, 2015
5/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Opened up this bottle last night after sitting on it for a few months.
Absolutely stunning, strawberries and kiwi are still very present and the tartness gives it a nice balance. Nicely carbonated and nice vibrant color.
Apr 15, 2015
TampaRainman from Florida
4.59/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
A: Golden straw pour with a slight haze, but this one is mostly sunny. Frothy head fades in short order.
S: Well, take me back to high school. It's Snapple's kiwi strawberry. But instead of my cafeteria, I'm in a hay field. The smell really starts popping as it warms and then starts leaning toward a somewhat artificial candy scent.
T: Bright fruit. Strawberry. Pop of sharp acid that mellows on the tongue with some vinous and oak notes. Alternating sweet and sour notes. If they made a strawberry sour patch kid I imagine it would taste like this.
F: Nice carb level and a lingering dry strawberry finish.
O: Takes you back and brings you forward at the same time. Definitely enjoyable.
Apr 04, 2015
4.59/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
A: Golden straw pour with a slight haze, but this one is mostly sunny. Frothy head fades in short order.
S: Well, take me back to high school. It's Snapple's kiwi strawberry. But instead of my cafeteria, I'm in a hay field. The smell really starts popping as it warms and then starts leaning toward a somewhat artificial candy scent.
T: Bright fruit. Strawberry. Pop of sharp acid that mellows on the tongue with some vinous and oak notes. Alternating sweet and sour notes. If they made a strawberry sour patch kid I imagine it would taste like this.
F: Nice carb level and a lingering dry strawberry finish.
O: Takes you back and brings you forward at the same time. Definitely enjoyable.
Apr 04, 2015
Arsenal0328 from Missouri
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Reviewing Kiwi Herman, a "malt beverage" made with kiwi and strawberry and aged in wine barrels from Alpine Beer Company out of Alpine, California.
Score: 92
January 2015 vintage bottle served in a Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass and enjoyed on 03/29/15. Thank you guy on BA! I forget your name at the moment but thanks!
Appearance: looks like a slightly cloudier bud light and a little darker. The laser etched circle at the bottom of the glass releases more carbonation than I believe is intended
Smell: Like sour fruit
Taste: lighter than I thought it would be, refreshing kiwi off the bat with strawberry bringing up the rear. Never had this combo before but it works well. 9/10, would drink again.
Mouthfeel: Perfect for me.
Overall: Someone give me a chez so I can compare these 2 frothy jizz stain inducing brews.
Cost: $15 for a 500 ml bottle. Or in this case a thicket + Madagascar. which was like $33.
Mar 30, 2015
4.5/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Reviewing Kiwi Herman, a "malt beverage" made with kiwi and strawberry and aged in wine barrels from Alpine Beer Company out of Alpine, California.
Score: 92
January 2015 vintage bottle served in a Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass and enjoyed on 03/29/15. Thank you guy on BA! I forget your name at the moment but thanks!
Appearance: looks like a slightly cloudier bud light and a little darker. The laser etched circle at the bottom of the glass releases more carbonation than I believe is intended
Smell: Like sour fruit
Taste: lighter than I thought it would be, refreshing kiwi off the bat with strawberry bringing up the rear. Never had this combo before but it works well. 9/10, would drink again.
Mouthfeel: Perfect for me.
Overall: Someone give me a chez so I can compare these 2 frothy jizz stain inducing brews.
Cost: $15 for a 500 ml bottle. Or in this case a thicket + Madagascar. which was like $33.
Mar 30, 2015
jegross2 from Illinois
4.77/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Reviewing Kiwi Herman, a "malt beverage" made with kiwi and strawberry and aged in wine barrels from Alpine Beer Company out of Alpine, California.
Score: 97
January 2015 vintage bottle served in a stemmed 18th Street glass and enjoyed on 03/25/15. Thank you Josh for helping me acquire this brew!
Appearance: Pours a clean, transparent, light honey color with a half finger of fuzzy heady that quickly and totally settles. No lacing or retention. Traditional "golden ale" appearance, more or less. 4/5
Smell: A big blast of freshly cut up strawberry and kiwi on the nose with a bit of lemon zest too. Lovely, bold fruit aroma. No plastic character present in the nose, something I often find to be the case in strawberry sours. 5/5
Taste: A spritzy blast of strawberry-kiwi hits upfront, followed by a tannic white wine flavor and a light oak presence. Rounds out with a little funk on the finish and a hint of a "tonic water" carbonated lime/mineral water flavor too. Really, really lovely. Fruity, complex, with just enough funk to supplement the experience without detracting from the fresh fruit. The funk has a lovely lasting finish as it warms and layers on the palate. A hint of sweet grain on the back half too. 4.75/5
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with a higher carbonation level that appropriately suits the flavor profile. Finish is a mildly dry, well-balanced. Very mild acidity. Good sourness. 4.75/5
Overall: Easily the best sour I have had from Alpine, and one of the best strawberry sours out there. This one blow Chez out of the water with a bold fruit profile that is neither too acidic or sour, nor too funky. It does not hurt either that I absolutely love strawberries and kiwis. Seek this one out with confidence. Prost!
Cost: $15 for a 500 ml bottle.
Mar 26, 2015
4.77/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Reviewing Kiwi Herman, a "malt beverage" made with kiwi and strawberry and aged in wine barrels from Alpine Beer Company out of Alpine, California.
Score: 97
January 2015 vintage bottle served in a stemmed 18th Street glass and enjoyed on 03/25/15. Thank you Josh for helping me acquire this brew!
Appearance: Pours a clean, transparent, light honey color with a half finger of fuzzy heady that quickly and totally settles. No lacing or retention. Traditional "golden ale" appearance, more or less. 4/5
Smell: A big blast of freshly cut up strawberry and kiwi on the nose with a bit of lemon zest too. Lovely, bold fruit aroma. No plastic character present in the nose, something I often find to be the case in strawberry sours. 5/5
Taste: A spritzy blast of strawberry-kiwi hits upfront, followed by a tannic white wine flavor and a light oak presence. Rounds out with a little funk on the finish and a hint of a "tonic water" carbonated lime/mineral water flavor too. Really, really lovely. Fruity, complex, with just enough funk to supplement the experience without detracting from the fresh fruit. The funk has a lovely lasting finish as it warms and layers on the palate. A hint of sweet grain on the back half too. 4.75/5
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with a higher carbonation level that appropriately suits the flavor profile. Finish is a mildly dry, well-balanced. Very mild acidity. Good sourness. 4.75/5
Overall: Easily the best sour I have had from Alpine, and one of the best strawberry sours out there. This one blow Chez out of the water with a bold fruit profile that is neither too acidic or sour, nor too funky. It does not hurt either that I absolutely love strawberries and kiwis. Seek this one out with confidence. Prost!
Cost: $15 for a 500 ml bottle.
Mar 26, 2015
Kiwi Herman from Alpine Beer Company
Beer rating:
100 out of
100 with
297 ratings
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