Raspberry Infused Imperial Kvass
Bent Paddle Brewing Co.

 

 

i kind of wanted more of everything from this weird little beer, except the raspberries of course, which i think take over it a little bit. this is a style we dont see nearly enough of, but this beer just doesnt seem as different or as out there as it sounds like it should on paper. i get the rye malt sure, but its not as dense and forward as it might be, and additives like spearmint and raisin juice seem a little less obvious as they maybe could. i get plenty of lemony citrus zestiness with the raspberry, those two elements together are great, but this really didnt seem super malty to me, in the sense that its literally intended to be liquid bread from what i understand, instead its more juicy and fruity, at the expense of its heritage a little bit. i do get a little fresh mint on the exhale, unique, and cool with that i can get of the rye, definitely a little something different. subtle molasses note in here, a dried fruit, maybe sweet dates or something, herbal tea, and very good overall, but in a style like this, i desire super weird, and this is just a little too fruited and conservative with the extras to get me there. i appreciate the attempt though, but would almost prefer this without the raspberry, fresh and authentic as that element is. bent paddle is apparently evolving pretty quickly, i have enjoyed their more ambitious beers very much so far...

Sampled at the Northern Lights Rare Beer Fest. Draft poured into a tulip. Hazy peach colored beer with a very frothy white head that dissipated quickly. Very bready aroma with a touch of lemon and raspberry. The flavor is heavy on the lemon and raspberry, with a touch of mint and raisin. A tad tart with adequate carbonation. Very nice change of pace beer.