Slushy XXXL - Sunny Crush
450 North Brewing Company

The continual blur of the lines that separates sour ale from astronaut food, 450 North is content to ride that rocket ship of flavor right into the stratosphere with all-things orange for what's basically an cosmic creamsicle.

Just like fresh-squeezed juice in the glass, Slushy XXXL Sunny Crush pours like pure citrus fruit with extra pulp while teasing nose with a tangy orange, hint of mango, the tanginess of lemon and lime. A drift of soft sweet cream with the scent of tropical fruit and cocktails lead into a rich taste of macerated fruit, sorbet and sherbet as the initial taste is dense with cereal and fruit.

As the smoothie sour ale batters the tastebuds, its nearly teeth coating tartness is intense. Juicy and rich. Notions of smoothie, slushie and milkshake all come to mind. As the full complement of orange folds into popsicle flavors, the suggestions of vanilla and cream soothe the senses before a brisk acidity steps in late. Finishing with a strong lean toward, you guessed it- oranges, a light and pithy bitterness only sells the orange peel character even more.

Full bodied, tangy and firmly meant as a screwdriver cocktail type of sour ale, the sweet orange remnants outlast any sourness as a long aftertaste of fruit puree takes the session into a creamy valencia direction.