Howe Sound Brewing – Utopia-Cranberry Orange Sour
Overview
- Brewery: Howe Sound Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Kettle Sour
- ABV: 5.3%
- IBU: 17
- Format Reviewed: Can 330 ml
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Howe Sound Brewing – Utopia-Cranberry Orange Sour Review
Howe Sound Brewing has recently released a new series, “Utopia”, kettle sour beers packaged in 6 packs and as a limited release in draught. This Cranberry Orange sour is the third in the series.
This kettle sour is created with blood orange and cranberry puree, so it is not surprizing to smell both those aromas right off the bat. Blood oranges have a tendancy to be rich in flavour but bitter, so blending the cranberry and dry hopping with a lot of Citra hops makes the flavour just pop!
This is a very easy drinking, fruit forward and very refreshing. A perfect beer for the upcoming holiday season and would be a great pairing with the Christmas meal, from the salad, the turkey (or ham) and dessert. I would even suggest that you mix this with some sparking Champagne or Prosecco and you would have a great holiday cocktail!
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Appearance(3.5)
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Aroma(3.8)
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Palate(3.6)
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Flavour(4.2)
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Overall Enjoyment(3.9)
About This Beverage
- Colour: Rich dark reddish -orange
- Head Size & Retention: Some head, minimal retention
- Carbonation: Mild Carbonation
- Clarity: Hazy
- Balance: More Hoppy
- Drinkability: Easy Drinking
- Enjoyment: Seasonally available
- Malt Characteristics: Biscuity/Bready
- Hop Characteristics: Citrusy
- Other Flavours/Aroma: Fruit Flavouring: Berries etc, Sour, oranges
- Palate: Juicy, Sour/Acidic
Summary
Easy drinking, fruit forward and refeshing. A perfect beer for thee holiday season. As is, or blend it with Champagne or Prosecco for a great holiday beer cocktail!
Pros
Very balanced
Approachable sour for non sour drinkers
Would also make for a great cocktail mix
Cons
Would like to have seen a bit more carbonation
