Judge’s Review: 88 Rating – Aniversario 1 by SouthNorte Beer Co.

Mixed-Style Beer | Limited Release | United States

By Pat Mulloy

Judges Rating: 88
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 7
Overall Impression: 18

Aniversario 1 by SouthNorte Beer Co. was judged as a Spice, Herb, Vegetable beer with underlying BJCP Category 25B, Saison. This beer is a square peg. It looks like a bad Saison topped with a thin, frothy head that recedes quickly but the dance of Mexican honey, epazote and cilantro with the Belgian yeast flavors, spicy hops and pale malts kicks the beer up to a higher level. The flavors have a layered complexity that weaves in and out. They all work together with no element demanding too much attention. It comes on like a savory sweet spicy honey scone and finishes with a hint of tea that provides a friendly bitter punch and a slight, drying astringency. The beer has mild legs suggesting more alcohol than you taste. The alcohol is smooth and not hot or harsh. The above-average carbonation and crisp medium body make this a very refreshing, elegantly flavored beer. Drink this beer with Huachinango a la Veracruzana, camarones al mojo de aho or fish tacos.