Cactus Jewel
Cruz Blanca Brewpub

i was so keen to try this, sounds awesome on paper, but it probably ended up being my least favorite overall beer in here that we had. i thought it would be more crisp, but the prickly pear made it sweet, and the candied ginger did too. i thought it would have more of a spiciness to it from the ginger, and that it would be fermented down a little drier, i didnt find this as refreshing and clean as i wanted it to be for a low alcohol lager. a really gorgeous rose pink color though, and pretty nice clarity and shine too. the head from the tap is tall and airy as well, even after its been sitting a few minutes. less ginger overall than expected in the taste, an no flavor from the lager yeast either, its too minimal, and so the prickly pear sort of runs away with the beer, as mild a flavor as that often is. i guess i like it being forward, i just expected maximum refreshment here, which just isnt the case. cool idea, but less so in the execution, at least for my tastes. i bet they make this better the next time they brew it up, if the other beers on their menu are any indication of the quality these guys are capable of!