Puff the Magic Hydra
Mortalis Brewing Co.

Drank from a 1 pint/16 fl. oz. can purchased on Tavour
Served in a tulip

The beer poured in typical Mortalis dramatic fashion. Thick and gloppy, like a Jamba Juice smoothie. Completely opaque and deep, dark ox blood hued with a subtle purple-ish tinge. A finger-tall, large bubbled film topped the body and slowly dropped to a lasting dollop of froth. As the liquid receded, a sticky film of (what appeared to be) fruit puree coated the glass and stuck until the drink’s end.

The aroma was one of the purest I have ever encountered in a Mortalis fruited sour. Blackberry dominated. Freshly picked berries came to mind. Perfectly sweet but also slightly tart. Ripe raspberry was noticeable as well. Hint of vanilla perhaps too. Unfortunately, I did not pick up on either the kiwi or the marshmallow, but neither were missed.

The flavor profile was similar to the aroma but definitely more tart and acidic. Blackberry once again came through strongest. Super tart but also slightly sweet. Raspberry was noticeable as well. Bright lemony notes appeared in the center. Loads of crisp acidity. Hint of creamy vanilla too. More blackberry and blackberry seed-like pith and bitterness on the back end and in the finish.

The mouthfeel was slick, grainy and super viscous, like a freshly blended fruit smoothie. Completely full bodied for the style. The liquid contained a fine, mild effervescence that worked nicely for the style.

Despite the lengthy description of the adjuncts included in this beer (one of which included marshmallow), Puff the Magic Hydra was a fantastic - and surprisingly straightforward - fruited sour that drank like an all-natural, high quality fruit smoothie. When it comes to this style of beer, nobody does it better than Mortalis.