Sweetwater Blue
#25. The big quarter review, and my fourth SweetWater review overall. The BBD is coming around the corner soon (1/18/11), so best to enjoy this while it's still guaranteed fresh! Poured from a 12oz. bottle to a pint glass at room temp. (Appearance) Pours a 2 finger depth thick foamy head that retains rather poorly, sinking down to a thin blanket within a short few minutes. Not much lacing left behind either. Beer is very clear medium amber color without much highlighting. Carbonation is average. The beer is not super exciting looking but doesn't look toxic. 2.5 (Smell) Smells of faint blueberries are dominant here, it smells similar to the Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat. Citrus zest is in the background, hints of lemon and orange peel are among the most discernible smells and wheat is also there but not in the foreground. The beer smells fruity and inviting. 4 (Taste) Blueberries paired on an even level with wheat, but wheat takes dominance in the finish. A touch of orange peel complements both halves subtly. The blueberries aren't weighted nearly as heavily as in Sunset Wheat (and it's fruity pebble-esque tones) and especially Wild Blue, but are still here. They taste real, but some of the tartness that comes with the fruit is lost from the product. Big swigs reveal some alcohol flavors on the finish that are not well masked by the beer's light flavors. No big deal, however. The positives here are that this beer has a pretty fair balance of blueberry and wheat, neither one taking the reins. It is very light and easy to drink, a good quality for some, a bad one for others. 3.5 (Mouthfeel) Carbonation feels right in this beer, giving it a spot-on crisp edge without being overbearing. The beer is very light-bodied without much else beyond the basic flavors of blueberry and wheat plus some citrus peel. The beer is a touch thin and slightly watery, but the mouthfeel is largely right. The finish consists of a wheat base with faint blueberry tones on low and an high tone orange peel. Easy on the palate. 3.5 (Drinkability) Very drinkable. It's not a bad beer at all, and easy to drink for any casual drinker. None of the flavors are overwhelming and it is smooth and light and easy. If I had another of these, I would drink it now. 4 Verdict: This beer is easy enough for to drink for any casual drinker but isn't very bold on any level. Beyond some basic flavors there's not much else that draws this beer out above the others that are much like it. With that in mind, it's about on the same level as many other wheat and blueberry beers, but more subtle. Not half bad. B- (3.45)