Who is a fan of fruit in beer? Not me, generally speaking. I like a good fruit-laden lambic but am usually reluctant to drink a beer with fruit added. Even this is not across the board. To me, it depends on when the fruit is added and if the sugar is well attenuated (thinned down/fermented out). If the fruit is subtle, then I can go with it. But beers like Wild Blue or Leinenkugel’s Berry Weisse are more atrocious to me than the outcome of the Manhattan project. However, having become an overnight fan of Dark Horse I thought I’d give them a chance on their Raspberry Ale.

The Pour-The beer itself was a nice, golden-orange color with a finely carbonated light head. There was a slight haze to the beer.

The Nose-There was certainly some raspberry on the nose of this beer. Yet, it was not the cloying type of over-fruited beer. Actually, it was a pleasant fresh raspberry sourness that came through on the nose. Some wheatyness and grain came through, but there was not a ton beyond that.

The Sip-Raspberry emerged but not much sweetness was present. Of course, that is pleasant to me, so I enjoyed it. A slight acidity from the fruit gave a touch of bitterness to the beer. The Dark Horse Raspberry Ale drank with some nice wheat qualities and ended with a good, grainy finish. I’m sure that you are wondering about how raspberryish the beer was. I have to say that it was certainly noticeable but not overdone, in my opinion. Don’t expect Framboise of the Lindeman’s type. The only way to find out what you think about it is to give it a try.

Mike’s Rating

Overall Satisfaction:  

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Among other Ales: