Fruitjitsu
Southern Pines Brewing Company

Dense dark brown head which crests around a single finger, above average retention, the lacing comes in broad sheets which slowly slide down the glass sides. Jet black liquid, a wall of tiny bubbles lift up the glass sides, good shine overall, attractive. Taut roast to the nose, chocolatey but not sugary, the tartness of the dark berry fruit comes through clearly, there’s a minerally undercurrent and cleansing lift without interrupting the fruitiness. Medium-bodied, dry with consistent carbonation churning it forward, steady pacing against the palate. Bittersweet dark chocolate powder and golden pie crust keep it taut. The blueberry provides pleasing counterpoint to the roast, together creating a pungent mouth perfume. Can be lemony at times, the sourness infuses liveliness. Very good contrasting elements.

 

A thin dark chestnut head forms a creamy quarter inch and never fades. Meanwhile a very dark black walnut beer appears jet black head on in a PBGC Malty glass. A dense coating of lace obscures any legs that I am confident are clinging within.

The aroma opens with blackberries, followed interestingly by blueberries, chocolate, and black coffee. Surprisingly none of the aromas are heavy.

The flavor is malt forward with a pleasant bittersweet balance. The bittersweet chocolate is rich and roasted. Berries are a soft touch, almost an illusion. The finish is mild and lingering, confirming the fruits were always there. Warmth focuses the flavors.

The dense body and creamy texture pair perfectly with fine carbonation that could easily be compared to 600-grit sandpaper. The alcohol is present, though extremely well controlled for 13%.

Fruitjitsu was one of those unexpected pleasant surprises. This is easily a dessert beer, although I thoroughly enjoyed it after work on one of the driest and hottest days of Summer. I imagine it would pair well with dark fruits or chocolate, and possibly even a soft, mild brie.

Excellent stout- very fruity and smooth...after half a can you are in relax mode- no negatives- brew some more!

 

 

Look: It pours black with a dark brown head. Head retention is low. It has a chocolate and fruit aroma at the start.

Smell: Blueberry is the dominant fruit aroma with notes of blackberry in the background. Roast is also prominent in the background with a slight burnt element.

Taste: There is a combination of roast, chocolate, blueberry and blackberry. The roast is most dominant in the finish with a low burnt flavor. There is a faint hint of smoke as well.

Feel: It has a full body that is a slight bit creamy. Carbonation is low. It has smooth alcohol warming.

Overall, this is an interesting combination of roast, chocolate, and fruits that is quite pleasant but the finish is a little bit sharp.