DJ Pulpy O.J.
Kettlehead Brewing Company

 

This was the last beer that I picked up a Gary’s in Madison not too long ago, as I never had anything from Kettlehead before. Expected this to be a juice bomb and to some extent, it was although not on the level of higher-rated examples of the style.

This poured a turbid nectarine with a bit of light sediment swirling near the bottom of the liquid. A ton of spongy foam topped it off as this had some of the biggest bubbles that I’ve seen in ages. Nectarine, peach, and juicy orange were in the nose as the taste closely followed suit. Felt like there was a bit of wheat in this as the body was full enough. A bit of melon, peach, apricot, and dankness emerged once this fully warmed up as the Nectaron was easily felt here. Not a pulpy beer like something from Tree House or Trillium, this was a basic New England IPA that went down relatively effortlessly.

There was enough booze in this and I felt a bit of a buzz and some warmth by the time I finished it off. Canned on 3/25/21 with “HEY BUDDY” written above it, this somehow held up although I would have obviously preferred a fresher can. Worth a go once for the Nectaron fans and for the artful label!

Canned 3/25/24. Frothy white two fingers head; hazy pale gold with clarity under excellent cap retention; solid ring; medium heavy lacing. Orange, tropical fruit nose. Mild bitter orange peel; firm malt base; passion fruit; peach/nectarine in the background. Light body; moderate minus carbonation; no astringency; thin watery feel. Overall the Nectaron does not shine; a good but average HazyLite.

Poured into a 16 oz Nordic pint glass, canned on 3/25/24. Pours a very attractive hazy yellow orange, with a half finger sticky white head that leaves thin streaks of lace, with solid retention. 4.5

Aroma is big tangerine, passionfruit, papaya, peach, and apricot. 4.5

Taste follows tangerine explodes immediately, papaya, passionfruit, peach, pineapple, and apricot. 4.5

Mouthferl is above average, soft gentle carbonation, not sticky or dry, and at 7.3% massive flavor, but easy going down. 4.75

Overall this is a very nice spin on Pulpy. Absolutely worth a try. 4.5