Swerve City

Swerve City by Belching Beaver Brewery was judged as a Fruit Beer (29A BJCP 2021) with a base style of American IPA (21A). Tropical fruit additions are quite forward in the aroma giving this beer a juicy aroma, and one that is distinctly tropical and sweet in character. It is unclear if there is a malt sweetness or if that is primarily from juice additions. I am reminded of being in Hawaii at a fancy breakfast buffet with some excellent fresh juice choices on hand. The color is medium gold and it is quite clear. The slightest of bubbling occurs on the fringe of the glass. The flavor is also juicy, but hop flavor and bitterness combine to provide a very pronounced quality of orange and grapefruit rind. Tropical fruit flavors blend with some malt sweetness to create a relatively complex, though fruit-forward, overall flavor. The mouthfeel is medium-light with a touch of alcoholic warmth. The bitterness provides a lingering, puckering quality in the finish. Overall, this is a quite juicy and fruity beer with decisive hopping. It would match well with citrusy or fruity desserts like lemon meringue or key lime pie or a strawberry or other fruit-topped shortcake.