Slushy XL - Push Popsicle
450 North Brewing Company

The continual blur of the lines that separates sour ale from ice cream treats, 450 North is content to ride that boundary with mangoes, oranges, ice cream, vanilla and lemon lime for what's basically an adult creamsicle.

Just like fresh-squeezed juice in the glass, Push Popsicle pours like citrus fruit juices with extra pulp while teasing nose with a tangy orange, mango, lemon and lime scent. A drift of soft sweet cream with the tangy scent of tropical fruit and cocktails lead into a rich taste of condensed 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 do come to mind. As the complement of mango folds into popsicle flavors, the suggestions of vanilla and heavy cream soothe the senses before a brisk acidity steps in late. Finishing with a strong lean toward the oranges, a light and pithy bitterness only sells the orange peel character even more.

Full bodied, tangy and firmly meant as a melted alcoholic popsicle, the sweet orange remnants outlast any sourness as a long aftertaste of fruit puree takes the session into a creamy push-up direction