Judge’s Review: 76 Rating – Shiner Prickly Pear by The Spoetzl Brewery

Fruit Beer | Seasonal | United States

By Richard Wong

Judges Rating: 76
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 29
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 13

Shiner Prickly Pear by The Spoetzl Brewery was judged as a #29A Fruit Beer according to the 2021 BJCP Guidelines. 
The pour of this beer revealed a hazy, cloudy, light burgundy hue. It had good carbonation that lingered in the glass. The aroma of this beer initially was reminiscent of a carbonated soda. I did not get any hints of malt nor hops. The initial taste confirmed my thoughts. Light malt and hop flavors were very well hidden behind an immensely strong fruit flavoring syrup (prickly pear). One could easily be fooled into thinking this fruit-flavored beer was a soda. It was very syrupy and sweet — a bit too sweet for my palate. The body and mouthfeel of this beer is light with good moderate carbonation. Though it’s not my cup of tea (or beer), I can see someone enjoying this beer who wants something sweet, light (4.9% abv) and ultra fruity.