Cali Creamin’ Creamsicle

Cali Creamin’ Creamsicle by Mother Earth Brew Co. is a Cream Ale (BJCP category 1C), but due to vanilla and orange flavorings it falls into Spice, Herb & Vegetable Beer (BJCP category 30A). However, these flavorings truly transform the beer into something else so Experimental Beer (BJCP category 34C) might be a better fit, as it arguably comes off closer to orange cream soda that beer.

The beer pours a deep yellow color approaching golden with a light orange hue, brilliant clarity and a low off-white head with a lasting ring. The aroma is strongly orange with sweet vanilla behind it that is like a creamsicle. However, like a creamsicle, it is more of an artificial citrus. The flavor is similar, but transitions more towards an orange cream soda due to the light body and high carbonation. Although the head fades, the beer is quite effervescent with lots of tingly bubbles on the palate and a smooth crisp finish. There is a sweet grainy note in the aftertaste and almost no hops to speak of, although possibly some Hallertau-like notes and low bitterness. This beer is additive-forward with the rest of the beer a distant second so much so that if it didn’t come from a beer can, I’m not sure I would know it was one. It’s truly remarkable how much the beer has been transformed into its goal of being a creamsicle. As this was the intent, I feel like Experimental Beer is the right fit. It’s enjoyable & refreshing, but very much a beer soda.