Judge's Review: 89 Rating - Sippin' Pretty by Odell Brewing Co.

Sippin' Pretty by Odell Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (2015 BJCP Category 28C) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the fruit to have a prominent role alongside a funky and/or sour character from the wild fermentation.

Moderate lactic berry and soft guava sourness invites a longer nasal pull which then yields light cracker malt and a light sulfur nose. The pour is cloudy strawberry red/orange with a large, thick off-white/pink head. Head retention is long but there is only limited lacing. The flavor is lightly sweet-tart berries, tropical guava notes, soft lactic acidity, light cracker malt, no hop character and a dry finish. Light body and medium carbonation.

The sulfur notes (rotten egg) sticks around but lessens as the rounded berry notes become more prominent. Light mineral and aspirin notes round out the secondary aroma profile. The flavor softens to present slightly underripe berry greenness that keeps the mineral character underneath. The berry and guava flavors take the balance from the malt. A light lactic tartness and soft saltiness linger into the finish. The salt softens the sourness and slightly enhances the malt sweetness.

Overall a light bodied beer that allows the berries and guava to remain the focus while presenting a light and crisp tart and acidic character. The malt is light but offers enough sweetness to keep the acidity from becoming unpleasant. This beer would complement a simple angel food or pound cake.