Umoja Sour
Liquid Shoes Brewing

Lightly hazy, ruby pink to reddish purple. A big, fluffy, pastel purple-to-violet head is long lasting before depositing lace on a pint glass. This is all a bit surprising for this style.

The aroma is similar to wet socks, through and through. It has a clear and distinct bay brine accentuated by wet seaweed. The passion fruit is prominent and sweet.

The flavor carries forward the aroma with added peppermint. That's right…peppermint…in a Berliner Weisse. Very Interesting. The sour and sweet notes are well balanced against salt and acid. Fruitiness and earthiness play well with clear notes of a New England harbor. The finish is long and mild, bringing all the flavors forward, though in a muted fashion. Peppermint is unmistakable in the throat.

Light body with the texture of angel food cake. Light, fizzy carbonation and light alcohol. Surprisingly, there are lots of residual sugars collecting after each sip.

This is a very intriguing variation of an old world style. The beer is unmistakably inspired by Berliner Weisse, while forging its own path. This beer demonstrates how violating style guidelines can produce exceptional results. Unfortunately, I scored the mouthfeel according to the guidelines rather than personal taste. I enjoyed it on a perfect Summer afternoon with birds chirping, rustling leaves, and my dog by my side.