kepano (239), Meudon, France Apr 2, 2008 Second in our Jolly Pumpkin diptych, I was surprised to find a striking similarity between La Roja and Bière de Mars. Suggesting the weathered planks of a ship, the body glows of a deep orange under a brumous cream-colored head. The nose is what veritably likens the two beers. The matching funkiness implies a strong influence from the barrels that may be masking their individuality. Still, I found the Bière de Mars less tight, showing more banana and green apple, as well as nutmeg, allspice and brown sugar. The mouthfeel is dry and aggressively carbonated, which sadly erodes some of the flavor. Red apple, blueberries and a leathery sourness are welcome tonalities, however. I preferred La Roja for its kinder texture and affable mascot. (20/05/07)
slimchill (775), Austin, Texas, USA Nov 10, 2009 Bottle. Aroma is mildly funky with strong fruit tones. Amber with a medium head. Flavor is simple, very much subdued barnyard character. Fairly thick and engulfing palate. This lacks the depth expected from JP, but is nonetheless highly enjoyable. anders37 (4516), Malmö, Sweden Nov 1, 2009 Bottle. Pours a dark amber color with a small off-white head. Has a fruity spicy slightly tart aroma. Fruity malty spicy flavor with some tart sour hints. Has a fruity spicy and slightly tart finish. stobbe74 (662), Denmark Nov 1, 2009 Bottle, 50cl. Pours a brown beer with an offwhite head. The aroma is caramel with some acidity. The flavor is likewise acidity. The palate is thin. Overall the beer is fresh but could use some body. Not my type of beer. AlabastorJones (762), San Francisco, California, USA Oct 18, 2009 very tart sour acid nose, lacy brown mirky body, flavor is quite tart and very well soured, yet not so sour that it’s difficult to enjoy, tastes like dried out citrus rind, bitter and acidic, but it tastes like its good for me, oak flavors are hard to place, very tart and very enjoyable, I find many sours this tart to be quite watery but this has a much more substantial mouthfeel brewolf (33), Washington, USA Oct 14, 2009 Deep ruby pour with a frothy white head. The color contrast looks gorgeous. Nose has layers of tart cherry, fresh wood, and a bit of wholesome barnyard funk. Flavor is bursting with tartness but is beautifully balanced by an amazing dried/preserved strawberry sweetness that I just cannot get enough of. Exceedingly smooth and drinkable, as the abv is spot on. Definitely my favorite from Jolly Pumpkin so far ... no contest. thornecb (1737), Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA Oct 3, 2009 Pours deep amber into a tulip. Off-white head recedes to skim surface. Sour pit fruit and funky yeast aromas. Full and sour cherry. Lasting tart finish. arrogantb (695), Denver, Colorado, USA Sep 9, 2009 750ml bottle with a very cool label depicting the wind blowing a ship around. This beer was an opaque red color with a thin white head resting across the top. The smell was really good and made me think of fruit, especially cherries. The taste was cherries, tart, sour, but not overpowering.I’m not sure I tasted the oak. I especially liked the mouthfeel as the carbonation seemed bubbly and perfect for this beer. This beer just got better and better as it warmed. I have been consistently impressed by the Jolly Pumpkin beers and I am glad they came to Colorado. This beer was excellent and worth the price of admission.
05/10/08 batch 256
I was a little disappointed that the price went up to $14.99 but since this is my favorite JP beer I caved. This was every bit as good as I remembered from last year. Tart smell, nice sour cherry flavor, some oak this time, the sourness is perfect. This is so easy to drink and a wonderful beer. Still my favorite from JP.
01/25/09 2007 bottle thanks to moejuck
Smells acidic like tomatos or ketchup, slight bit of oak and funk, smells really good. Tart but not sour, very easy to drink, subtle flavors, might be better fresh but it holds up well after 20 months or so.
Serving type: bottle
Reviewed on: 06-06-2007 14:55:19 areyouinning (72), North Carolina, USA Sep 9, 2009 Deep ruby brown with generous carbonation and slow foamy legs. Pleasantly sour aroma, reminiscent of both lemons and limes. Sour overall taste, with most powerful onset, and understated, refreshingly tart aftertaste. Sourness, and citrus flavors disguise both malts and alcohol, with a slight twinge of sulphur. 鶚/348) enjoyed on 8.9.09
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