Judge’s Review: 80 Rating – In Between Times – Lime in Da Coconut by Social Fox Brewing

Fruit and Spice Beer | Seasonal | USA

By Rick Franckhauser

Judges Rating: 80
Aroma: 17
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 33
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 16

In Between Times – Lime in Da Coconut by Social Fox Brewing was judged as BJCP category 29C, Specialty Fruit Beer, with category 23A, Berliner Weisse as the base style. Medium-high levels of bready, doughy malts are up front in the aroma. A coconut oil-like aroma comes through, rather woody. There is an impression of tart, lactic acid but I am not getting any lime or other citrus notes. The beer pours a golden color, rather dark for the style, with a slight haze. Topped by a white foamy head that drops quickly, leaving a slight wispy ring. No sign of bubbles ascending that I expect in a Berliner.
The coconut also dominates the flavor of the beer and while it comes across like fresh coconut (not artificial flavoring) and is somewhat toasty, it seems a touch too oily and woody. There is a savory note and an earthiness about the coconut that is somewhat unusual. Perhaps this is the effect between the malt and coconut. The lactic tartness does help to stay off the oiliness of the coconut and balance the beer out. In the flavor I did pick up some citric acid qualities but not distinctly lime. There is a clean lactic tartness here, but it would be aided by some of that bready, doughy malt I was getting in the aroma. The tartness lingers into the aftertaste. The beer is medium-light in body with moderate levels of carbonation but honestly needs more. In fact, there is a slight mouth coating, and it seems much fuller than the style calls for. Perhaps an effervescent level would have lifted some of the coconut off the palate.
While I found the beer interesting to drink, and enjoyed the toastiness of the coconut, for me it fell short of my expectations. I wanted the lime to be much more distinguishable and dominant over the coconut. I was also expecting the beer to be lighter, more effervescent and refreshing. I cannot say that there was anything “wrong” with the beer, no off aromas, or flavors, just more of a balance issue. Some of this may come down to personal preference. If you enjoy coconut and sour beers, this will be right up your alley and perhaps others will pick up the lime that I was missing.