Raspberry Flapjack

Raspberry Flapjack by Urban South Brewery is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 34C – Experimental Beer.

An immediate sweat and tart raspberry nose greets me alongside light milk sugar, soft vanilla and earthy wheat malt. Salt gives a seaworthy air to the aroma. The beer looks like a ruby red milkshake, cloudy with a medium, tight-bubbled pinkish head with some retention. Light lactic acidity blends with sweet and tart raspberries and soft vanilla. There are no hops or hop bitterness and the beer finishes mostly dry.

Faint maple syrup notes emerge on subsequent whiffs as I continue my contemplation. This same maple syrup presents a complexity to the flavor that is unique while blending very well with the tart-leaning raspberries. The salt serves to keep any sweetness in check, and the malt flavor, while light, is of earthy wheat and crisp, neutral malt. This light-bodied beer has medium-high carbonation.

Bring on the tart raspberry-topped New York cheesecake!