Raspberry Weiss
Free State Brewing Co.

Crystal clear dark blonde. Thin, sticky, ivory white head leaves thick sheets of lace. Ripe, sugary raspberry accompanied by subtle, grainy wheat in aroma. Mild banana esters add depth. Flavor mirrors the aroma. Raspberry and banana esters couple with the mildly bready, wheat undertone to lend a dominant fruit shortcake impression. It doesn't become cloying, though. Tartness augments late, becoming lightly citric in nature. Firmly dextrinous, smooth and surprisingly creamy in mouthfeel. Finishes sweettart, with fading hints of wheat and simple, maltose like sweetness. A well balanced fruit beer. Somewhat above the brewpub norm in overll character, because it seems they used a Kristalweiss base (with 10% soured mash) as opposed to an insipid American wheat . Refreshing, brisk and quite drinkable.

Clear, light yellowish hue with no tints of “fruit” colors… it’s a very deceiving look. Minimal animation, served with a white head that faded quickly, some spotty lace. The nose is very limited, some raspberry fruitiness but the malt conceals any sort of depth. Inviting. Again, on the palate the raspberry is hidden by the malt… it’s not sweet, kind of tart/sour, winey. Light body (thinned by the wheat?). Low carbonation. Simplistic with a one-dimensional taste… a fair drink, more malty (and muffled) that many of its brewpub kin, nice touch with the slight sourness. It’s rather standard for the style... okay.