Speakeasy Strawberry Basil Smash
Barreled Souls Brewing Company

 

Drank from a 1 pint can purchased at Barreled Souls Brewing Company, Saco, ME
Served in a tulip

Thanks to hopley for hooking me up with this.

Even though this can sat idle in my fridge for many weeks, the beer somehow came gushing out of the can. In the glass, the liquid was a slightly hazy, medium amber hue with a glowing reddish-orange cast. A tight, fluffy, finger-tall, bright white crown topped the body and quickly fell to a thick, lasting collar. Large chunks of sediment floated throughout the liquid and later collected in the bottom of the vessel.

The aroma was really interesting. Strawberry came through strong. Super fresh and bright. Herbal notes were also apparent. Lemon verbena came to mind. Hint of basil. Not sure I would pick out the basil without prior knowledge of the beer’s ingredients however. Slightly floral. Lavender perhaps? Fairly sweet overall but appropriately so. Vanilla was also noticeable.

The flavor profile was somewhat similar to the nose but it definitely did not work as well. Fruity notes were apparent up front, though the strawberry was not as clear as it was in the nose. Herbal and floral notes came through as the beer moved along the palate. Lemon and lemon verbena perhaps. Some oaky barrel was noticeable on the back end and the finish. Slightly tannic and dry.

The mouthfeel was decent but rather nondescript. Medium bodied for the style. Soft and fluffy on the palate. The liquid contained a fiber bubbled, moderate effervescence.

I applaud Barreled Souls for taking risks with some of their fruited sours, but this beer somewhat missed the mark. Speakeasy Strawberry Basil Smash had too many flavors which did not meld with each other and seemed rather disjointed.