Big Guava Energy
Hidden Springs Ale Works

Reviewed from notes. Had on-tap at the brewery 3/30/24.
Served in a goblet.

A: Turbid, somewhere between guava and tapioca pudding in color. Near-opaque. Almost no visible carbonation, and a thin white head fades quickly.

S: Vague fruitiness, mild bready malts, and some vanilla creaminess - I suspect lactose in here. Smells good, but not a huge aroma.

T: Moderate tartness up front, and the fruity guava. Flavors of pineapple, apricot as well and some biscuit malts. Lactic tart with a bit of citric acid bite. Finishes lightly sour and dry / tart with lingering dry fruit.

M: Heavier than an average sour perhaps, but not as thick as it looked. Low alcohol flavors. Carbonation (despite the appearance) turns out to be fine.

O: Beer seems fine, but the guava maybe didn't "pop" out for me on tap (PERSONAL NOTE - The fruitiness pulled through better when at home from the can). But plenty enjoyable enough.

This is my first beer from Hidden Springs, and I think the only beer I’ve ever heard of that tries to emulate a pastelito, so it gets points right off the bat for being unique. It’s honestly what drew me in when I saw this can on Tavour. Let’s crack it open and see what it has to offer

Pours a slightly cloudy orange gold with 2 fingers of soapy off white head that fades to a thin cap and leaves minimal lacing

The nose here just kinda screams guava and not much in the way of pastry but I dig it. I’m picking up on aromas of earthy guava, mango skin, lemon juice, earthy wheat, doughy malt, and orange Jell-O

There’s a sweeter element to this in taste, but it still isn’t doing all that much. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting mango skin, lemon juice, tart guava, biscuity malt, vanilla, orange juice, and light pie crust. The swallow brings notes of earthy guava, overripe mango, orange juice, pie crust, lemon zest, biscuity malt, and light vanilla

A light medium body pairs with gentle tingling carbonation, resulting in a sharp yet gentle beer. Finishes mostly dry and refreshing

I wouldn’t really say it approximates a pastelito, but it is quite good for what it is

Not much bubbles, copper body. Nice lactose and moderate lemony acetic acidity, big dose of guava, crumbly grains, a bit of strawberry-ish sweetness. Certainly pastry, but not over the top. Medium light bodied, low carb, easy drinking, medium tart.