Judge's Review: 85 Rating - Flotation Device Berliner Weisse - Moscow Mule by Pontoon Brewing

Flotation Device Berliner Weisse - Moscow Mule by Pontoon Brewing is a Berliner Weisse brewed with ginger and lime, and was judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (BJCP sub-style 29B). This beer, which is a creative take on the popular Moscow Mule cocktail, poured bright light amber and clear into the glass where it formed a modest head with low retention. Its aroma was dominated by intense ginger and lime followed by the clean lactic sourness and subtle wheat notes of its classic base style. The flavor profile, too, began with ginger and especially lime up front, before sharing the palate with the lactic sour notes. Hop and heavy malt flavors were absent, and the mouthfeel featured light-to-medium body and no alcohol warmth consistent with the base style. This beer’s drinkability is somewhat bifurcated due to the almost overwhelming effect of the two added ingredients, lime and especially ginger. If the drinker favors them in heavy doses, he or she might enjoy this beer, which is otherwise fairly refreshing. On the other hand, if as I suspect, the majority of drinkers would prefer that the brewer had added them with a lighter hand to maintain the beer’s overall balance and the integrity of the base style, the appeal of this beer may be limited.