Judge’s Review: 93 Rating – Super Lemonova by Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Fruit Beer | Special Release | USA

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 93
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 18

Super Lemonova by Lawson’s Finest Liquids is a Blonde Ale with lemon zest and is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer (category 29A based on the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The fruit in Fruit Beers should complement the base style without overwhelming it. Blonde Ales (category 18A based on the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines) are light-colored, basic ales of low-to-moderate strength. 
Super Lemonova pours golden in color, is clear and sports a moderate, cream-colored head. The aroma is of light pils malt and fresh lemons. The flavor features moderately light pils malt with a hint of breadiness and a complementary light lemon. The beer finishes moderately bitter with a moderately light pils malt and a very refreshing lemon finish.
When I first heard the description, I was quite skeptical as I have long grown tired of bland blonde ales that I have had at many brewpubs over the decades. But Super Lemonova is a very well done, thirst-quenching beverage. The hops and malt profile are fairly bland, as is typical for blonde ales, but the fresh lemon zest adds an interesting dimension and certainly quenches the thirst. Don’t be a skeptic like me, give this beer a chance.