Judge’s Review: 86 Rating – Synopsis Blueberry & Acai by Area Two Experimental Brewing

Wild Specialty Beer | Limited Release | United States

By David Sapsis

Judges Rating: 86
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 17

Synopsis Blueberry & Acai by Area Two Experimental Brewing is judged as BJCP category 28C: Wild Specialty Beer. Presented in a steep-sided pilsner glass at 43 degrees Fahrenheit. The color is a deep and saturated bright red with noticeable haze. Foam stand is poor, which given the style, is somewhat expected. Conditioning appears high. The nose is initially ultra dry, tart and a tad bit funky with acidic/early fruit: cranberry,blueberry, early peach, along with some mineral-yeast notes. As it warms it sweetens ever so slightly. The flavor is very tart with nice blueberry notes balancing the sharp lactic character up front. The mid-palate is fruit of blueberry and gooseberry, with very faint sweetness and an interesting spice element almost like an allspice/black pepper mix — subtle, but adding to the character. The finish has lingering tart fruit and noticeable mineral tones adding to the dry character. The beer is gassy, acidic, and fruity but in a distinctly dry package. It might not be fully bone-dry, but it’s close. While the beer is refreshing and bright, it seems a little over the top in acid level relative to what is happening on the deep end. On a very hot day, or after a very long one, I could see this beer being good company to a cheese plate with pickled vegetables to start a meal.