Judge’s Review: 90 Rating – Belch’s by Pontoon Brewing

Fruit Beer | Limited Release | United States

By Dan Preston

Judges Rating: 90
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Belch’s by Pontoon Brewing is a Berliner Weisse (BJCP category 23A), but due to the fruit additions it falls into Fruit Beer (BJCP category 29A). This beer pours a dirty rose color that is very hazy due to the pectin and wheat with an off-white head that fades fast, which is normal for a sour. The look is reminiscent of a raspberry daiquiri, which is fitting as it’s very juicy. There is lots of fruit in the aroma, it’s like sour fruit punch with notes of peaches, oranges, berries, pineapple and a bit of bright acidity. Behind the fruit and sour, there is fleeting crackery grain and light doughy malt. The flavor is similar, but with a bigger sour punch, like marmalade mixed with lemon curd. It has a light body and high carbonation, effervescent with lots of little bubbles on the palate enhanced by the bright acidity. The finish is dry with a bit of sweetness from the fruit. There is a sour tingle on the tongue and a bit of puckering as well. This beer is very quaffable, like a tall glass of lemonade spiked with mixed frozen fruit that would be great on a summer day and still quite enjoyable on those colder nights. The fruit is quite dominating but the sour base keeps up with it.