Vacanza Peach Pie Imperial Gose

Vacanza Peach Pie Imperial Gose by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged under style BJCP 2021, category 29C, as a Specialty Fruit Beer. What differentiates 29C from 29A is the use of additional ingredients such as sugars (the brown sugar), sweeteners, adjuncts, alternative grains and other specialty ingredients (the vanilla and graham crackers) or additional processes (being an imperial version of BJCP category 23G Gose, which traditionally a more sessionable beer at a max of 4.8% ABV) that puts it in this style like the classic example of the Bruery’s Goses are Red.

This beer pours a very hazy yellow color, with a big off-white head that has good retention. There is some light visibility around the edges where it’s at its thinnest, but otherwise its nearly opaque. The aroma is a mix of sweet and sour fruitiness, with big notes of peach, lemon and green apple. Beyond the fruit there is some vanilla that aids the sweetness and grainy maltiness that has a bit of a graham cracker quality. There is also some light spice (cinnamon?), although that doesn’t seem to include the coriander note that is typical for the style, but it could be hidden in the lemon notes as it can be perceived as citrusy in beer. The flavor is similar but with a bigger sourness, almost to the level of a Berliner weisse (BJCP category 23A) which is a bit high for style. The aroma is more of a peach yogurt, while the flavor is closer to peach lemonade in the sourness comparison. It’s effervescent and tart with a little sweetness in the finish. There is no hop notes to speak of and a very low Berliner level of bitterness. There is salt but without being salty, as it aids a more rounded mouthfeel and cuts the sourness. Despite the sourness, the body is surprisingly medium, which also is likely due to the salt. There are lots of tiny bubbles adding to the tingly acidity at the top of your mouth and tip of your tongue. The alcohol is very well hidden as there is only a faint warmth and it remains refreshing despite the ABV.

By the description, one would expect it to be more in the sour smoothie style, but thankfully the sweetness is more restrained allowing the sourness to come thru more. While it misses some of the style cues due to low to no coriander and a moderately strong sourness (which does fit the more historical versions), it is still very enjoyable and keeps drawing you in for another sip. I could definitely see enjoying one of these in a frosty mug on a hot summer porch. Really well done.