Haus Marg

Haus Marg by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 29A – Fruit Beer.

A tall, slender glass arrives with a slightly hazy, yellow straw-colored beer, and I can smell soft tangerines, limes and sharp acidity from nearly a foot away. There is a small, tight- to small-bubbled white head that dissipates somewhat quickly, leaving nearly a naked beer. As I waft the beer slowly in circles just under my nose, the acidity, both lactic and citric, becomes more prominent, and the freshness of squeezed tangerine and lime notes become the dominant aromas. Just underneath the fruit and acidity are a light sea breeze aroma of salt air and medium-light raw sourdough. My first sip is medium-tart and acidic, and slightly salty sourdough bread. Lime is the dominant fruit flavor with a tangerine base that offers subtle citrus complexity. The flavor finishes dry and crisp with lingering acidity.

Going back to the aroma, there are low lemony and floral coriander notes, while the citrus fruits retain their aromatic dominance. Late in the flavor, the tangerine comes across as candied, but not sweetly so. As expected, there is no hop aroma, flavor or bitterness. The beer is boldly tart, sour and acidic while remaining quaffable and refreshing. Light bodied with medium-high carbonation, not quite effervescent as is typical with the base Gose. No warmth, creaminess or astringency, though the beer is somewhat puckering.

This beer would pair nicely with a raw milk goat or sheep cheese where the acidity of both the beer and cheese would meld nicely while the citrus provides some character depth. Don’t forget some cured meat to accompany this bright and refreshing snack!