Mini Fruits New England Pale Ale
Bacchus Brewing Co.

I’m excited as punch about this one [how is that a thing?] you know: fruit punch... this is a New England style Pale Ale... they’re fruity... I’m excited because it’s my favourite style of Pale, oh forget it! So far I’ve reviewed 15 beers from Bacchus, you might think that a great deal but according to that phone app everyone uses: un-something? Bacchus have released 616 beers! So really my review contribution is a drop in the ocean. Though it was nice that my review of the JAF IPA and subsequent contact with head brewer Ross Kenrick on Facebook sparked up a brief conversation about using Lactose in IPAs (I reckoned JAF could have used a touch more Lactose for body, but otherwise it was most excellent).

Poured from a 500ml bottle into a nonic pint.

A: I’m going to be brief here because it smells great: Cloudy AF, pale yellow (think pineapple juice) body with a billowy two centimetre white head that hangs around quite well. Yum. 8/10.

S: Strong tropical slant: Pineapple, jackfruit, lychee and a dash of papaya. Malt not really noticeable (or “needed” rather). This is one of the beers that you can sit and smell for minutes, and say minutes because I really wanted to get right into the next part, this is another tempting AF brew from Bacchus. 9/10.

T: Tropical notes take on more of a pre-ripened green/grassy flavour with pineapple/papaya/lychee rocking out in this tasty punch. The malt centre is a lightly dry cracker character that doesn’t seek to disturb the hops, which leads into a dry finish with a nice mild bitterness. As far as championing the New England style goes this brew is right up there with the best. Overall the flavour is like a big old glass of tropical punch, awesome. 9/10.

M: Medium bodied with a light but dense carbonation and some hop oils adding slickness to the mouthfeel - nice body. 8/10.

D: Again I’m left wishing that Bacchus had canning facilities - there’s no telling how far this brew could go if it had the ability to travel overseas/interstate, I reckon even brewers from New England would be impressed with Mini Fruits - I’ve reviewed a few actual NE IPAs now and this is up there with the best of them. Scores slightly lower than JAF because JAF is as it is named (Juicy As F**k) and a better combo of hop flavours IMO... still this is the shit yo. 9/10.

Food match: BBQ chicken with a spicy slaw and a brioche bun... f**k I’m such a hipster, sorry ppl.