Judge’s Review: 93 Rating – Lookin’ Sharp Berliner Weisse by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.

Fruit Beer | Limited Release | United States

By Richard Wong

Judges Rating: 93
Aroma: 24
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Lookin’ Sharp Berliner Weisse by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was judged as a #23A (Berliner Weisse) according to the 2021 BJCP Guidelines. The pour revealed a wonderful rosy hue that was very cloudy. The aroma had slight hints of fruit and no hop aroma (okay for style). The flavor of this beer revealed a nice, light malt/wheat backbone that had light fruit (prickly pear and blood orange). Upon the initial taste it had a bit of a funky flavor that I attributed to the prickly pear. It also had light citrus flavors from the blood oranges. But most revealing is the moderate sourness/tartness associated with a Berliner Weisse.  It was not overt and aggressive bur rather lightly mouth-puckering. The body and mouthfeel was light with nice carbonation. The beer finished slightly tart/sour in the palate along with a dryness. Nicely done.