This Imperial Wild Specialty Beer offers a dense, sensory-rich experience centered on a massive addition of Raspberries and Blackberries. The aroma is a vibrant explosion of jammy dark fruit and sharp lactic tartness, tempered by a soft, creamy sweetness from the addition of milk sugar. On the palate, the luscious berry profile is front and center, transitioning from a bright, acidic snap to a velvety, dessert-like finish. The 7.8% ABV provides a structured warmth that supports the heavy fruit weight, while the milk sugar ensures a smooth, rounded mouthfeel that lingers with the essence of a berry coulis.
Appearance.Opaque, deep burgundy to vibrant violet-red; dense, creamy, pink-tinted head with moderate retention; highly viscous with no clarity due to heavy fruit purée and milk sugar.
Aroma.High intensity; dominant fresh raspberry and concentrated blackberry aromas. A sweet, vanilla-like creaminess from milk sugar is prominent. Low doughy malt presence with a clean, sharp lactic acidity and very subtle earthy funk from the wild fermentation.
Taste.Initial impression is an intense burst of tart raspberry and sweet blackberry fruit. The mid-palate is characterized by a significant creamy sweetness from the milk sugar, which balances the high lactic sourness. Very low hop bitterness; the balance is firmly between the fruit sugars and acidity. The finish is long and jammy, with a clean, lingering tartness.
Mouthfeel.Medium-full to full body with a thick, creamy, and coating texture. Moderate carbonation provides a necessary lift to the density. Noticeable but well-integrated alcohol warmth; low astringency despite the heavy fruit skins.