Liefmans - Fruitesse

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Fruitesse

Brouwerij Liefmans

Aalststraat 200

9700 Oudenaarde, Belgium

Est. 1679

www.liefmans.be

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review

Purple and reddish mix of color; think cranberry.

Sweet summer fruit aromas.

One-half finger, pink-ish color head. Minimal spotted lacing. Zero head remains.

Fairly sweet without bing overly syrupy. Strawberry and cherry flavors permeate.
Moderate amount of carbonation.

Light bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

I have been on a  Belgian kick for a good part of the summer. Partly due to a few promotions by Belgian producers and their distributors, but mostly due to their refreshing qualities. A light, low alcohol Belgian can hit the spot in the dog days of summer.

Having said that, Liefmans Fruitesse is perhaps a stretch for my beer quaffing abilities. While it was not detestable, it was a little too much on the fruit for my liking. Although it is not exactly like other Lambics, it was fun to try and will change some folks minds about what beer can be. It contains very summer-like fruits; raspberry, cherry and strawberry. The color is that of a fruit punch and even the head is a stunning creamy light red. A fellow sitting next to me observed that it smelled like Kool-Aid®. Not the finished drink mind you, but the aroma of a freshly opened packet of the sugar flavored concoction. I nodded in agreement.

The taste was fruity sweet and natural, of course. It was not overly syrupy and while easy enough to drink, this one didn't do it for me. I backed it up by ordering an Imperial IPA. Like a bitch slap to the taste buds!

It's all about balance.

Sweet Water - Blue

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Blue

Sweet Water Brewing Company

195 Ottley Drive

Atlanta, GA USA

Est. 1997

www.sweetwaterbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review

Clear golden color.

Blueberries and hops are noticeable.

Near-white, one finger of head. Settles out quickly.

Some spotty lacing on glass.

Nicely sweet blueberries, just a bit of malt grian and nice tart hops finish.

Modestly carbonated. Very smooth and easy to drink.

Light bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Sweet Water's Blue is a 1998 World Beer festival Bronze Medal Winner in the Fruit beer category. It's very refreshing and I might add that it has a taste of natural blueberry that is not in-your-face like so many others in this style. I found that this wheat beer was one of few fruit styles that was enjoyable to drink. Of course it was consumed on a rather hot day here in he---, uh, hello, Florida! Yeah, that's what I meant to say. Yeah, Florida. Well, it only seems like hell.

But never the less, this is a brewery from Georgia that I have been watching for some time. Only having their bluebery/wheat and the brown ale thus far, I look forward to some of their other more interesting offerings. Gona have to fire up the hearse and take a trip north of the border for some more, soon.

Liefmans - Cuvee-Brut

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Cuvee - Brut

Brouwerij Liefmans

Aalststraat 200

9700 Oudenaarde, Belgium

Est. 1679

www.liefmans.be

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review

Hazy and cloudy reddish brown color. Deep red color if held up to light.

Tart cherry fruit nose. Rich malt aroma.

One finger, pale rose' head. Minimal spotted lacing.

Slightly, but not overly sweet. Astringent dryness to palate. Good balance of maltiness on finish.
Lots of carbonation.

Medium to light bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Liefmans Cuvee-Brut was formerly known as Liefmans Kriek.  The Cuvee-Brut starts with twenty six gallons of old brown ale that is macerated  with more than twenty eight pounds of fresh whole cherries. The nearly one-to-one ration is kept in shallow tanks to mature for one year. Then it is combined with Oud Bruin (a Flanders Brown ale) and Goudenband (a brown ale from Liefmans) to produce this unusually delicious cherry flavored brown ale. This process differentiates it from a Kriek Lambic style. The 750ml bottle itself is a bit bland and perfunctory. So to add a bit more flourish, the whole thing is wrapped in fancy cherry red colored paper.

The care, expertise, the time and the patience these brewers use in creating these ales has had a profound impact on my palate. I'd originally been dismissive of 'fruity' flavored beers. I needed this bottle to earn a beautiful Duvel tulip glass. After drinking, it made me pause and take notice of this whole other universe of beer. Belgian beers are fast becoming my favorites, no matter the style, largely due to the artisan crafting techniques of these brewers.

Some of them are, shall I say - - - to die for.

Sarah's Stash - Apple Beer

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Apple Beer

Sarah & Matt Home Brewing

Allston, MA USA

Est. 2009

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Cloudy amber orange color.
Spiced apple/citrus fruit nose.

Sweet apple taste with something of a chamomile tea flavor.
Clove and all-spice flavors present.
Active carbonation; zesty.
Three finger off white head with spotty lace on glass.
Light mouth feel. Nicely refreshing. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy

Home brewing is an extension of thought, a heartbeat of passion and sufficient curiosity to say, "I think I can do that." So many are home brewing these days, in large part to former President Jimmy Carter, who enacted legislation allowing American citizens to brew beer in their homes back in 1979.

Visiting with family and friends this past month, I was exposed to some home brew from a rather unlikely source. My best friend of thirty plus years, was holding onto a bottle from his daughter's home brewing adventures. Could it be that Sarah, this girl I held in my arms many years ago as a week old infant, is all grown up and making beer? It's true! I should not be surprised.  After all, I did mention that he is my BEST friend!

So during our abbreviated trip up north, we did gather for some good pizza and beer, when this bottle of apple flavored beer was produced. Sarah and friend Matt have been brewing since the fall of 2009 and were particularly active this fall as she states:

"...we had a couple types at one time. It [the apple beer] is actually the favorite out of all of our brews thus far. Our friends loved it. It was our first apple beer, so we have some notes for what we would like to do differently next time, but all things considered, it was a success."

Her favorite styles to drink when not brewing?

"Our favorite style of beer is generally Belgian Ales. Although, my tastes run the gamut."

It seems that grown up Sarah has tastes in spirits as well. I have found that many a beer drinker also has a few levels of indulgence once up to the brewing level and Sarah is no different. Scotch and bourbon, a couple of her uncle's favorites (that's me!)  We have so much in common. Her dad is proud of her accomplishments in life so far, and I am equally impressed with her range.

Go Sarah!

Abita - Strawberry Harvest Lager

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Strawberry Harvest Lager
Abita Brewing Company, LLC
Abita Springs, LA USA
Est. 1986
www.abita.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Brilliant golden color.
Wheat grains and bright hops along with berry and bready smells.
Two-finger bright white head that leaves nice amount of stringy lacing.
Delicious strawberry fresh sweetness that balances with the finishing hops.
Good amount of carbonation.
Light tartness.
Light mouth feel. Easy to drink at low ABV and brisk, refreshing taste.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is some crazy good brew. I love the strawberry flavor. It tastes so very fresh, not like some additive, and I should mention that it isn't over-the-top either. Just a simple lager with pilsener and wheat malts. And oh those strawberries. Very refreshing. Try this as a great switch from your everyday lager or wheat.

It's quickly becoming my go-to beer, at the pool or after mowing the cemetery lawn. Muah haaaa haaa haaa!

Unibroue Ephemere

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Ephemere
Unibroue Inc.
80, Des Carrieres
Chambly, Quebec Canada
Est. 1992
unibroue.com/products

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Light honey yellow-orange color with slight cloudy haze.
Apple fruitiness and slight nose of yeast.
One finger fluffy white head with excellent lacing and retention.
Great amount of carbonation but not overly fizzy.
Delicious apple sweetness in each sip.
Light to medium body. Extremely refreshing.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The pretty labels of Unibroue should win awards for their artwork, if they don't already. Such a beautiful goddess looking down on her bushel baskets of green apples. Sitting on a swing crafted by flowers, under a canopy of the same said flowers. A deep blue sky and majestic lake round out the background.

Wait a second! This is s beer blog, not an art gallery. Ahhhhh. So tranquil, though...

As if the scene isn't enough of a heavenly vision, just wait until you open and pour out the nectar inside. Equally heavenly. Then the taste of fruity apple sweetness and gentle, subtle yeast. Mmmm, pure heaven, for a fruit style and flavored beer.. I think they should equally win awards for their ales as well as the artwork.

The complete package.

Magic Hat - Wacko

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Magic Hat - Wacko
Magic Hat Brewing Company
5 Bartlett Bay Road
Burlington, VT USA
Est. 1994
www.magichat.net

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazed golden color with distinct pink/red hue.
One finger off-white head that leaves slight lacing.
Sweet, malty and musky in smell.
Fruity, sweet and fizzy taste.
Lots of carbonation.
A light bodied bubbly beer.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Label says, "A beer with beet juice color." Hmmm.  Either it's going to repulse you  or peak your curiosity.  If it truly is red, let's see it.  I was pulled in by the thought.

It isn't exactly the color of beet juice if you were thinking along the same lines as me, but the color is more like watered down beet juice.  It seems normal enough pouring it out of the bottle.  Then a slightly pink hue shines through the translucent body.

Summer like and sessionable due to low ABV are its hallmarks.  After that, the rest is up to your own opinion. I have two more left from the mix twelve pack. Wonder how long they'll last in the fridge?

Chapeau Exotic Lambic Beer

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Chapeau Exotic Lambic Beer
Brouwerij De Troch
Langestraat 20
Wambeek, Belgium
Est.18th Century
www.detroch.be

Brain Damage Quotient = 3.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Pale, clear and yellow color.
Candy like sweet aroma.
Bright sweet flavor of pineapple.
No head to speak of as it rose and settled immediately.
Some yeast funk was suspended in the bottom of the glass.
Light bodied and easy to drink though a bit cloying.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Fruit beers. Where does one begin? This was mama Reaper's choice for Mothers Day and so we began the experiment.

Oddly, first it opens like a wine, by unwrapping the foil around the neck with a bartender's tool.  Next, it opens like a beer, using the cap prying portion of the tool.  Lastly, it opens like a wine again by using the corkscrew to pull the plug from the bottle's neck. Makes you worn out by the time it is poured.

This Lambic poured a yellow color with the slightest of a green tinge.  It smelled sweet like soda-pop but without the fizziness. An interesting sweet, low alcohol imbibement for the wife on her day.  She approved.  I didn't get it, but no matter.

So long as mama's happy, then everybody's happy.

Sea Dog Raspberry Wheat Ale

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Sea Dog Raspberry Wheat Ale
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
125 Western Ave.
South Portland, ME  USA 
Est. 1993
www.seadogbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Straw yellow color.
Raspberry fruit flavor on the nose.  No malt or hops detectable in smell.
Minimal off-white soapy head. Zero lacing on the glass.
Mostly raspberry tastes comes through with little hops or malt.
Abundant amount of carbonation.
Light fruit flavored, light watery mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sea Dog's Raspberry Wheat Ale is the best of their fruit flavored beers to date.  It has a little less carbonation than the others and is listed as an ale rather than a beer.  The raspberry flavors taste slightly artificial.  The ale is also a bit watery, but the fruit taste of raspberries are abundant.


To its credit, it is light and refreshing.  And at 4.5% ABV it goes down easy and doesn't leave you feeling weighed down.

Harpoon Raspberry Hefeweizen

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Harpoon Raspberry Hefeweizen
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue

Boston, MA USA
Est. 1986
www.harpoonbrewery.com

www.ufohefeweizin.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.1 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Cloudy, unfiltered, reddish hued color.
Distinct raspberry nose; smells natural and fresh.

Slight yeast smell as in bread.
White, foamy two fingered head that dissipates very slowly.

Head lacing coats entire glass.
Moderate carbonation with sweet berry taste.
Light bodied; tartness in finish.  Easy drinker.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Very good for a fruity change of pace over other hefe's.  This is light and easy to session.  Nothing more, or less to add other than this would be great on hot days as a refreshing substitute for a wine cooler or cider.  Since it's a beer, that makes it all the more special.

Magic Hat - #9

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Magic Hat - #9
Magic Hat Brewing Company
5 Bartlett Bay Road
Burlington, VT USA
Est. 1994
www.magichat.net

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazed golden color.
One finger off-white head that leaves dots of lacing.
Aromas of apricot and pear. Barely noticeable malt of hop presence.
Fruity, almost floral taste that is "...not like a pale ale".
Lots of carbonation.
A light bodied beer.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Found under my cap? A toast to Dennis and Justin.  What is that?  And what is the #9 all about?  They have the answers to these questions on their website under the FAQ's section.

What I can tell you is that I was expecting something more like a pale ale, due to the comment on the bottle label.  But there was none of that.  Instead there was an unexpected apricot taste that was actually quite pleasant.  I would consider a #9 as a beer alternative to a cider or some other type of malted fruit drink.  Mrs. Reaper quite enjoys this beer, so it will find its way into the garage chiller on a more regular basis.

Still confused?   Go see their site for more details.

Lindemans' Framboise Lambic

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Lindemans' Framboise Lambic 
Brouwerij Lindemans
Lenniksebaan, 1479
Vlezenbeek, Belgium
Est. 1811
www.lindemans.be

Brain Damage Quotient = 2.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep red color.
Lots of raspberry essence in the aromas; big and bold.
Pink foamy head goes to about one finger high, then gone quickly.
Non existent lacing.
Dry, sparkling clean taste of raspberries; not much else going on.
Light bodied mouth feel. Low alcohol. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Is it a beer? Is it a fruit drink? It is both. Incredibly fruity by nature, we chose to mix this with a hefe weizen to tone it down a bit.  Barley, wheat, yeast and raspberries make up this unusual beer.  That's right, no hops. The raspberries really shine in the aromas and the taste.

Enjoy this with your favorite dessert, especially something chocolate.  Or, try one by yourself, if you dare.  It won't be a high alcohol content that keeps you from drinking more than one.  It's those damn raspberries. They go, "KAPOW!" on your taste buds.

Sea Dog Apricot Wheat Beer

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Sea Dog Apricot Wheat Beer
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
125 Western Ave.
South Portland, ME  USA 
Est. 1993
www.seadogbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber color.
Apricot fruit syrup aroma, no malt or hops detectable in smell.
Minimal off-white soapy head. Zero lacing on the glass.
Mostly apricot tastes comes through with little hops or malt.
Abundant amount of carbonation.
Light fruit flavored, light bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sea Dog's Apricot Wheat Beer is like drinking the yummy syrup out of a can of apricots.  Only fizzier.  There is beer flavor in there, but mostly what comes through is the fruit flavor.

There are some unfiltered bits of apricot in the glass making this truly a unique beer.  It would be good on a summer's day, or on a Florida day in the high 70's.  Like today.

Früli Strawberry Beer

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Früli Strawberry Beer
Brouwerij Huyghe

Brusselsesteenweg 282

Melle, Belgium
Est. ????
www.fruli.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 8.4
 
Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy reddish brown color.
Powerful strawberry aroma, coriander and citrus notes.
Wheat and strawberry tasting with balanced sweetness.
Slight sourness; tart sensation at end of sip, but not unpleasant.
Off white head with good lacing.
Light mouth feel with good amount of carbonation.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A blend of 70% white beer and 30% fruit juice goes into making this strawberry beer.  It's a mini bottle packed with a mighty "punch" of strawberry flavor.  Sweet on the nose and true tart strawberry finish makes this most unusual in a beer, indeed.

Opening the cap, there is no mistaking the aroma.  It wafted out of the vessel and could be smelled from over 3 feet away.  It was so sensory, that it stopped me 'dead' in my tracks!  The taste is similar to spiked fruit punch.  It's fizzy, strawberry sweet and oh, so easy to drink.  The unusual 8.4 oz. bottle makes Früli just the right size for a step off the beaten beer path.

A gold medal winner at the International Beer Competition 2004, it's just another good thing from the earth in a bottle!

Wild Blue Blueberry Lager

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Wild Blue Blueberry Lager
Blue Dawg Brewing
Baldwinsville, NY
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
St. Louis, MO USA
Est. 1852
wildbluelager.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Blue to purple in color.
Sweet blueberry smell; faint malt notes.
Thin, fast dissipating head with minimal to no lacing.
Sweet blueberry taste with minimal carbonation.
Light bodied, syrupy mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Highly infused blueberry taste, as only blueberry sugars will do.  This is great for the first few sips, but wears you out through the glass with its sweet syrupy flavor and taste.

Sessionable? No.

Try-able? Sure, why not.

Sea Dog - Blue Paw Wheat Ale

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sea Dog Blue Paw Wheat Ale
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
125 Western Ave.
South Portland, ME  USA 
Est. 1993
www.seadogbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Straw to golden color.
Blueberry fruit aroma, no malt or hops detectable in smell.
Minimal off-white head with some lacing on the glass.
Mostly blueberry tastes comes through with little hops or malt.
Light fruit flavored, light bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is a beaut...like drinking a blueberry muffin.  That comfort food aroma is what your nose detects when you raise the glass to your lips.  A novelty and a drinkable beer, Blue Paw Wheat is low in alcohol and refreshing. 

Ordered on tap, a teaspoon of blueberries were added that floated like little blue lobster pot buoys on the head of the beer!  These beer soaked jewels are your prize to enjoy when you reach the bottom of the glass.  Fun to sample this beer of Maine.

Great Divide - Wild Raspberry Ale

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Great Divide - Wild Raspberry Ale
Great Divide Brewing Company
2201 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.greatdivide.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Ruby red color.
Mild malt and slight fruit aroma.
Foamy, two finger tall, tan head with decent lacing.
Easy session drinker.
Light mouth feel, raspberry tones in each sip.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Good things from the earth in an ale so easy to drink. Wild Raspberry Ale will tantalize you with the red and black raspberry tartness balanced with malts and easy amounts of hops. This was also enjoyed by the Mrs. , as she has a liking for the fruit concocted beers and ales.

A brew that goes as well with spicy dishes as it does on its own in any session of ale consumption. Get your toes in the grass, smell the fresh air and indulge in the sensation of Great Divide's wonderful nature brew.

Enjoy the nature on the "wild" side!

Samuel Adams - Cherry Wheat

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Samuel Adams - Cherry Wheat

Boston Beer Company

Boston, MA USA

Est.1985

www.samueladams.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0


Postmortem Brew Review

Hazy yellow orange hue.
All you smell is cherries.
Wheat taste and finish that displays cherry flavor as it warms.
Firm head with pretty good lacing.
Light and refreshing mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Everyone doesn't like something. I don't prefer wheat beers, but I really don't like cherries. Never been a big fan of them at all. Well 
hush my mouth! This was really okay, on both fronts. Maybe it takes two negatives multiplied to make a 
positive, like they taught us in math.


Okay, so going into this wasn't going to be easy for me, but plunge right in, I did. Cherries in the smell as you bring it up to you lips. Whammo! Like a big whiff off a box of cough lozenges, it hits your olfactory senses. But the first chill sip, and it's a wheat beer again...a delicious one. But where did the cherries go? Hmmm? As the beer warmed to room temperature, the sips revealed the wheat AND the Michigan cherry sweetness. Darn that Jim Koch! He has won me over again! And he did so with two things that are on my not so favorite list. Must be from the all natural and fresh ingredients they use. I realize my cherry prejudice may have been due to over exposure from imitation cherry flavors all this time.

Go try some...very interesting combo.

Wells Banana Bread Beer

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Wells Banana Bread Beer
Wells and Young's Brewing Company
Havelock Street
Bedford, UK
Est. 1876
www.wellsandyoungs.co.uk

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.9 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear and copper in color.
Bready smell of banana, malt and spicy hops.
Full head with staying power.
Slight lacing of the glass.
Medium mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Almost like lovin' from the oven. This beer is truth in advertising! Once lifted to the nose and tasted on the palate, you would swear you were drinking a slice of banana bread. It has a delicious balance of spice to it as well. Delectable and savory; it's the new comfort food in a bottle.

This was another of the samplings from the western trip and was enjoyed by all. Clever of these Wells folks to capture Fairtrade Bananas and pair them with a beer. This beer can be fun to start off with, but you may want to have it as your aperitif at last call. No peeling required.

Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss

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Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Chippewa Falls, WI USA
Est. 1867
www.leinie.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Turbid brown with decidedly pink hue.
Sweet honey and black berry aroma; no beer aroma.
Slim pink/white head with fair amount of carbonation.
Slight, clinging head lace present in the glass.
Light flavor and body; refreshing black berry taste.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
What is not exactly a beer and not exactly a malt liquor and not exactly a wine cooler? I don't know, but this would come pretty close to describing the experience. That said, it was refreshing; a real change from straight up beer.

Perhaps the moon and stars were aligned just right this evening, but it was truly good and I plan to get some more of this berry nectar. Even Mrs. Reaper enjoyed it. I guess I have a sweet tooth for it myself.