Judge’s Review: 88 Rating – Zodiac: Aquarius by Wiley Roots Brewing Co.

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By Brad Darnell

Judges Rating: 88
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 16

Zodiac: Aquarius by Wiley Roots Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 28C – Wild Specialty Beer.
The glass in front of me holds a lightly hazy dark golden beer with a small, bubbly white head that recedes rather quickly and leaves only trace hints of its short existence. Moderate sweet cinnamon and spicy cloves jump out of the glass with the oranges in rapid succession. A medium warm rising dough malt provides the canvas. Lightly tart and sour, the warm doughy malt and fresh spices carry over from the aroma and creates a pleasant winter spiced ale.
Additional analysis uncovers a slight sugar cookie aroma and lightly acidic orange juice flavors. The beer is nicely balanced with the spices and oranges, and the sourness pleasantly kicks in the saliva glands. This medium-light-bodied beer has light carbonation, and no alcohol warmth, creaminess or astringency. Kudos to the brewer for keeping everything in balance and creating quite the approachable beer. Additional carbonation would help this beer stand up next to the best examples of the style.