This amped-up International Pale Lager delivers a refreshing twist on the classic Mexican-style cerveza. Real prickly pear cactus juice added during fermentation imparts a unique, vibrant character to the clean, highly-attenuated base. The palate is defined by a crisp, crackery malt profile with subtle hints of sweet melon and earthy berry from the cactus juice, finishing remarkably dry. While the prickly pear provides a distinctive fruitiness, the beer remains light and thirst-quenching, balanced by a gentle floral hop presence and high carbonation. It is a modern, fruit-forward interpretation of a crushable lager, offering high drinkability with an elegant, fruit-tinted aesthetic.
Appearance.Straw to deep gold with a distinct rosy-pink hue from the prickly pear; very clear brilliance with a white to light-pinkish frothy head that shows moderate retention.
Aroma.Low to medium-low grainy-malty and slightly corny-sweet aroma; the prickly pear adds a unique, low-intensity earthy fruitiness reminiscent of melon or prickly pear. Hop aroma is very low and floral. Clean fermentation profile with no significant esters.
Taste.Initial impression is crisp and refreshingly dry. Low to moderate levels of grainy-malt flavor with a light crackery quality and subtle corn-like sweetness. The prickly pear juice provides a delicate, earthy fruit character. Medium-low bitterness provides balance, leading to a very clean, dry, well-attenuated finish with a neutral aftertaste.
Mouthfeel.Medium-light body with moderately high carbonation that produces a slight carbonic bite on the tongue. Features a very subtle alcohol warmth appropriate for the six percent strength, with no astringency.