One of the great things about homebrewing is that there
are pretty much no limits on what you can do. Want to make a Double
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Stout? Go right ahead. How about a Tripel Threat
Belgian Abbey Style Banana Ale? The sky’s the limit. And typically, homebrewers love to concoct beers just like that.
This is readily apparent when you consider the Samuel Adams Longshot line of
homebrews cum microbrews. Boston Beer, the makers of Sam Adams beers, have
run these contests in the past-and brought beer enthusiasts such exotic
treats as a Hazelnut Brown Ale and a Molasses Coffee Stout.
For the latest batch of LongShot beers released in 2007, the exotic
tradition continues with Ken Smith’s LongShot Bosyenberry Wheat. Ken,
a Boston Beer employee and Colorado native, has managed to create a
delightful treat that is both refreshing and flavorful. And did I mention
that it is a very quaffable brew indeed?
Fruit beers, sadly, are a disrespected lot. Some beer geeks dismiss them
entirely, while those unfamiliar with craft beers regard them as they might
a three headed emu. For my part, I love them when properly done (as this one
is). After all, what are hops if not the spice of beer, and if we can’t
spice up life with variety (i.e. fruit) from time to time as the saying
goes, then the country’s done for as Dickens might say.
The boysenberry, of course, is not as common a fruit as the strawberry,
blueberry, or raspberry. In point of fact, it is a cross between the
raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry according to Wikipedia. I don’t
believe I have tasted it in a beer before, but here it works exceedingly
well.
Longshot Boysenberry Wheat pours to a cloudy orange amber color with a thick spritzy head of foam and a soft fruity berry nose. Upon sipping, you’ll
discover a medium bodied beer with a crackery wheat and malt body that is
immediately overtaken by the assertive berry flavor that is reminiscent of a
raspberry/blueberry mélange.
Fruit beers are often criticized for being too sweet, but that’s not the
case here. The crisp German Hallertau hops in the bitterness offer a
balancing dryness and slight bitterness that is usually absent in wheat
beers. Here, they add to the beer’s definite refreshing character.
I think this one has wide appeal, even to those who normally eschew fruit
beers. A refreshingly different brew and a welcome member of the 2007
LongShot triumvirate.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft