Judge's Review: 77 Rating - Woodbreaker by Urban Artifact

Woodbreaker by Urban Artifact was described as a black cherry lemonade and a  “Midwest Fruit Tart” with sweet dark cherries, lemon juice and vanilla beans, and it was judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (BJCP sub-style 29B). In the glass it formed a mildly fizzy white head with virtually no retention atop an opaque dense dark purple brew. The aroma consisted of sour cherry up front, followed by light vanilla notes. The flavor profile also featured dark stone fruit up front with a pleasant dark cherry and lemon sourness through the finish. Malt and hop flavors were not part of the profile.

The mouthfeel was pleasantly fruity and tart with moderate alcohol warmth, but featured a light body, little to no carbonation, and no creaminess or astringency. Overall this was a simple fruit-dominated fermented beverage with some alcohol kick. It should be pleasantly drinkable to those who enjoy the taste of sour cherry, but this beverage is barely recognizable as a beer. The dominance of the fruit completely masked any hint of malted grains, hops and yeast.