Judge’s Review: 87 Rating – Elderberry Gose by Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Fruit Beer | Limited Release | USA

By Dan Martich

Judges Rating: 87
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 17

Elderberry Gose by Lawson’s Finest Liquids is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer (Category 29A) per the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines. 
Moderate aromas of dark berries. A tingling fizziness on the olfactory senses with no discernible hops, and a low amount of neutral grain bill.  The esters are mostly fruit-driven.
The beer poured a lighter shade of sangria red. No head present, as expected given the style, but many bubbles were seen rising to the top of the pour, which was indicative of the carbonation.
Simple flavors of fruit, a bit of rose and lime. Hiding in the background is a light citrus quality. Very straightforward flavor with the moderately high acidic finish absent of hops.
This beer is light-bodied with high carbonation. The astringency comes naturally, given the style, but it’s delicately balanced with the acidic/tart flavors experienced above.
This is a simple, approachable beer that is not complex and has a straightforward dose of fruit. The required gose saltiness and tartness balance this expressive summer drink with an approachable drinkability.  After the big reveal, the packaged date on the can showed July 20, 2023. Although not a fresh sample, I thought it was still a very good sour brew.