Beer Review: Great Notion Top Down Watermelon Key Lime & Dragonfruit Tart
Brewery: Great Notion Brewing
Style: Sour – Fruited / Tart Ale
ABV: 6%
Ingredients: Watermelon, Key Lime, Dragonfruit, Coriander, Sea Salt
- Appearance: “Top Down” pours a vibrant, hazy pink-red hue, reminiscent of fresh watermelon flesh, with a slight opaqueness. A thin, effervescent white head quickly forms and dissipates, leaving minimal lacing, which is typical for a fruited sour of this style. The color alone is incredibly appealing and sets the stage for a refreshing experience.
- Aroma: The aroma is immediately bright and inviting, bursting with notes of sweet and juicy watermelon. This is beautifully complemented by a zesty, tart key lime presence that adds a citrusy zing. A subtle, exotic sweetness from the dragonfruit peeks through, adding depth, while a faint hint of saline and coriander provides an intriguing complexity that elevates it beyond a simple fruit bomb.
- Taste: The taste delivers on the aromatic promise with a delightful balance of sweet fruit and refreshing tartness. The watermelon flavor is authentic and prominent, not artificial, and is quickly followed by a clean, sharp key lime acidity that provides a pleasant pucker. The dragonfruit contributes a delicate, almost floral sweetness in the mid-palate. The subtle touch of sea salt enhances the fruit flavors and adds a unique, thirst-quenching quality, while the coriander provides a faint, spicy background note that ties everything together. It finishes tart and dry, inviting another sip.
- Mouthfeel: This beer has a light to medium body, accompanied by crisp, effervescent carbonation that dances on the tongue. It’s incredibly refreshing and clean, making it highly crushable. The tartness is well-integrated, providing a lively sensation without being overly aggressive, and the finish is remarkably clean and drying, leaving behind a pleasant fruit linger.
Overall Impression:
Great Notion’s “Top Down Watermelon Key Lime & Dragonfruit Tart” is a masterclass in fruited sours. It’s a perfectly crafted summer beer, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and exotic fruit flavors with a subtle savory complexity from the salt and coriander. It’s incredibly refreshing, highly drinkable, and a true testament to Great Notion’s innovative approach to brewing. Whether you’re a fan of sours or just looking for a unique and delicious warm-weather brew, “Top Down” is an absolute must-try.
Available at SF Tequila Shop, Bernal Heights
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