Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

Maracujá (ABV: 7.0% | IBU: 12), our Sour Ale with Passion Fruit, is tenaciously tart. Packed with notes of tropical, zesty flavor, this brew offers a lively drinking experience.

Malts: 2-row, wheat, acid malt.

Hops: Bravo

Maracujá is a Sour Ale. Talk about the history/evolution of that style.

Sour ales go way back...lactobacillus is around everywhere, and lactobacillus was fermenting beer well before we were culturing and using brewer’s yeast. 

How is the sour ale brewing process unique?

It is actually a two-stage fermentation. Fermentation #1 happens in a tank that contains a mixture of lactobacillus that is held at 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the pH drops to the proper level (usually after a few days), the beer is pasteurized, then fermented again with a standard ale yeast.

Maracujá incorporates passionfruit. What flavors result from that addition?

Passionfruit is a very assertive fruit with a bevy of tropical fruit flavors.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

It is tart, refreshing, complex and delicious.

What makes you want to drink this beer?

It is refreshing and perfect drinking for the season.

Appearance: Hazy yellow. Medium carbonation. Thin head that has poor retention.

Aroma: High tropical fruit aroma. No hop aroma, low malt aroma. Medium-light fruity esters. A definite sour/lactic aroma can be perceived.

Taste: High tartness, high level of fruitiness. Intense acidity. Very low hop bitterness. Dry finish, perception of sweetness is there because of the high level of fruitiness.

Mouthfeel: Medium light body, low astringency, medium carbonation.

Overall: An intensely sour, fruity, refreshing fruited sour beer that is great for the summer.

What foods would pair well with Maracujá?

Spicy Thai seafood salad or fruit sorbet.

Ideal glassware for Maracujá?

Tulip glass