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Top 39 Fruit Beers

Explore our list of the Top 39 Fruit Beers, as rated by our panel of judges for the Official Review. The selection ranges from barrel-aged sours with pawpaw fruit to mango fruit lambics, and from lemon lagers to a variety of other options in between.

Top 39 Fruit Beers

 

#28

Blueberry Pancake Pastry Stout  Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.

94
Blueberry Pancake Pastry Stout

Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Mixed-Style Beer

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#27

Modern Tart by Upland Brewing Co.

94
Modern Tart

Upland Brewing Co.
Wild Specialty Beer

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"The body is light, and highly carbonated, remaining true to style. I was expecting a bigger body and mouthfeel from the added lactose. No alcoholic warmth here presuming this beer has a low ABV, and the puckery aspect is kept low while still enhancing the dryness in the finish. The lightness in flavor and body make this beer a pleasure to drink. The moderately fruitiness gives it dimension. I believe this would be a great intro beer for the non-sour ale fans, or those looking for a gateway to sour styles. The funk is kept to a minimum while the fruity aspect adds drinkability."

- Judge Dan Martich


#26

Two Pitchers Radler by Two Pitchers Brewing Co.

94
Two Pitchers Radler

Two Pitchers Brewing Co.
Fruit Beer

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"In the flavor, I'm first hit by a pithy and pleasantly tart, mouthwatering slice of grapefruit and big, juicy, almost fully ripe strawberry elements. With lots of pleasing mouthfeel characteristics, this radler is refreshing and crisp with a nice, dry finish. The high carbonation slices through the full, creamy body, striking a pleasant balance between slightly sweet and highly sessionable."

- Judge Tracy Hensley


#25

Watermelon Dorado by Ballast Point Brewing Co.

94
Watermelon Dorado

Ballast Point Brewing Co.
Fruit Double IPA

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"Moderately high hop bitterness leads into a very dry and crisp finish that leaves melon-like and floral flavors lingering for a long time. The beer creates a melange of flavors that really work well together. This beer is nicely balanced – the malt is there, and the hops just blossom out beautifully. This beer would complement a fruit and cheese platter that features some milky, creamy and mild cheeses – along with a cluster of on-the-vine raisins."

- Judge Nelson Crowle


#24

Luau Krunkles by Terrapin Beer Co.

95
Luau Krunkles

Terrapin Beer Co.
Fruit IPA

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"The fruits really cancel out the malt character of this beer and make it undetectable. The aftertaste is reminiscent of a Dole Tropical Fruit cocktail and is quite fun. Medium body with moderate carbonation and a very slight alcohol warmth compose the beer's mouthfeel. Overall, this is an interesting take on an IPA making it tropical and juicy through the use of fruit as opposed to purely hops. I found this beer quite enjoyable though the malt and fermentation characters get lost behind the use of fruit. I would definitely recommend this beer and purchase it if I saw it in a bar or store."

- Judge Sal Mortillaro II


#23

Cherry by Upland Brewing Co.

95
Cherry

Upland Brewing Co.
Wild Specialty Beer

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"A hazy pink effervescent circus fills the glass with a pink tinted white crown floating on top. It starts sweet tart and goes bone dry on the finish. A background flavor suggesting flaky cherry pie crust softens the tartness while the oak tannins and flavors – especially vanilla - add richness and dimension. Few people have handled Northern Michigan cherries as well as this brewer."

- Judge Pat Mulloy


#22

Grapefruit Shandy by SanTan Brewing Co.

95
Grapefruit Shandy

SanTan Brewing Co.
Fruit Beer

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"The flavor features a balanced bready malt aroma and a blast of fresh grapefruit. There is a pleasant residual sweetness that appropriately dries out in the finish with the help of a smooth, tart acidity from the fruit. Even if you are not a fan of fruit beer styles, don’t pass this one up on a warm spring or summer day as this is a very refreshing beer that is certain to please a wide variety of palates."

- Judge Randy Scorby


#21

Rhymes with Purple  Bhramari Brewing Co.

95
Rhymes with Purple

Bhramari Brewing Co.
Fruit Beer

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#20

Pawpaw by Upland Brewing Co.

95
Pawpaw

Upland Brewing Co.
Wild Specialty Beer

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"The flavor mirrors the aroma quite well, with pineapple, raw kiwi and a melange of juicy fruit type flavors bathing the palate. The middle and finish is moderately sour and never becomes overwhelming, complementing the fruity flavors quite well. The finish is quite dry, with the moderate sourness cleansing the palate quite well to prepare you for the next sip. The body is medium. Pawpaw is among the best of Upland’s fine offerings in the Sour Beer program. The overall balance between flavor and sourness is quite exceptional."

- Judge Joseph Formanek


#19

Apricot Orchard Brett Golden Ale by The Virginia Beer Co.

95
Apricot Orchard Brett Golden Ale

The Virginia Beer Co.
Wild Specialty Beer

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"The brewer adds just enough fruit to complement and not overwhelm the yeast. Ripe to overripe Brett-produced fruit flavors (berry, citrus and pineapple) and added fruit flavors (stone fruit) play off and enhance one another giving the beer a delightful complexity. A light and very airy yet creamy texture massages the mouth and gives the flavors an added dimension. The result is an elegant, well balanced beer you can drink for both its texture and flavor."

- Judge Pat Mulloy


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Comments

HOWIE's picture
How did Old Fezziwig get in with no fruit additions and there was no mention of fruit added to The Scupper?
Editorial Dept.'s picture
Hi HOWIE, Old Fezziwig qualifies due to being brewed with orange peel. While the spices certainly take center stage, Fruit and Spice beers qualify for this list. Good catch on The Scupper, that one was in the wrong category. A suitable replacement has been added. Thanks for reading!
Jncurtis52's picture
Why is New Glarus Brewing Begian Red with cherries not on this list? Has won worldwide awards. Also their Strawberry Rhubarb.
Editorial Dept.'s picture
Hi Jncurtis52, Only fruit beers that have scored a 94 or above in our Official Review qualify for this list. We have reviewed a few New Glarus fruit beers, but they did not qualify. You can find them below: https://beerconnoisseur.com/beer/new-glarus-brewing-company/wisconsin-belgian-red https://beerconnoisseur.com/beer/new-glarus-brewing-company/serendipity https://beerconnoisseur.com/beer/new-glarus-brewing-company/raspberry-tart

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