Jungle Boogie

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer | Year-Round | United States

By Mike Castagno

Judges Rating: 89
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 7
Overall Impression: 18

Pouring with a golden hue and orange highlights, the beer expresses prominently fruity aromatics of grapefruit and lemon alongside lychee, passion fruit and a touch of white peach. The bitterness is aggressive upon the initial tasting, full of a tannic bite that wine drinkers often describe as being “tight”. Fortunately, in about 10 minutes, the beer opens up and the bitter, astringent tannins soften up quite a bit, allowing the beer to become much more approachable. Upon warming – woody, earthy, bramble and forest floor become notable playing nicely with a light grainy malt character. This beer would pair really nicely with a soft, creamy cheese such as Saint Andre or Camembert and fig jam; the creaminess of the cheese and sweet fruit jam will complement the tannins nicely.