Anderson Valley Briney Melon Gose

Anderson Valley Briney Melon Gose is 4.2% ABV and is described as a Watermelon Ale with Natural Flavors. This leads me to believe this includes a combo of fresh watermelon, and watermelon flavoring. I’m not gonna lie, I was worried that the watermelon would not work this the salt and tart, but I picked up a full 22oz bottle after trying a 2oz sample.

Pours with a big white head to start, but as expected it falls completely away after a few minutes. The lightly golden ale has just the slightest hint of watermelon pink highlights. The watermelon is strong yet also rather subtle on the aroma, it isn’t in your face with artificial sugary sweetness. My fears of the taste had no grounds. This is actually a fairly sour and salty Gose, the sweet fruit is mild and in the background but not so hidden to not be noticed. Apart from the saltiness this tastes like a liquified Sweetart candy. If there is a down side to this one it a bit of a funky aftertaste, but at 4.2% you are able to keep coming back quickly for another sip!

I’m going to have to guess this experiment will be back again this summer in much larger quantities.