First Beer Review!

First Beer Review Today:
Acai Berry Wheat Ale (organic) 4.0% abv
Eel River Brewing Company, Scotia CA
http://www.eelriverbrewing.com/acai-berry-wheat.html

This is an American Wheat Ale with a rich berry aroma that will, upon first smell, make you think you're drinking juice. The Eel River site also states that four other berries have been added, but the aroma reminds me of distinct acai scent mixed with white grape juice.

A lighter ale, this beer has a clear, golden color and a high level of carbonation. The head is white and foamy. The Acai is prominent in the head, not so much once the beer goes down. This beer is surprisingly bitter for something brewed with wheat malt, but it is equally refreshing with a dry finish.

A simple Americn beer with a lovely aroma, not to mention antioxidants, Eel River's Acai Wheat Berry successfully accompanies a hot summer's day. Share a six pack among your friends with some hot dogs and sweet potato fries. I wish the acai berry was more pronounced like the cherry in Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat, but the beer should accommodate new and experienced palates.

* update 07/12/09
I wanted to add that the acai is much more prominent when drinking the beer from the bottle, not a glass. I tried this out yesterday, and from that experience I would rate the beer closer to "The Glass is Half Empty."

The Glass is Half Full.

Rating scale (intervals are not equal):
1 = The Glass is Full (will refuse to taste again)
2 = The Glass is Half Full (a few sips, nothing worth ordering)
3 = The Glass is Half Empty (good beer worth a purchase)
4 = The Glass is Just About Empty (exceptional beer)
5 = The Glass is Dry (nectar of the Gods)
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On another note, I will be touring a couple of breweries this weekend. I plan to head up to Sonoma County to visit the Russian River Brewing Co, Laguinitas, and perhaps another brewery or two. I look forward to sampling some quality beers from this area just north of San Francisco, and perhaps I'll take note of a sick place to hike or a local festival or something.

You stay hoppy California,
Pink