Beer Review: Evil Twin Brewing NYC – Make It Fruity (Berry Blend)
Evil Twin Brewing NYC has mastered the art of “liquid fruit,” and the Make It Fruity: Berry Blend is a prime example of their flagship fruited sour series. This isn’t just a beer with a hint of fruit; it is a full-scale berry assault designed for those who want their sour ales to drink like a fresh smoothie.
Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing NYC (Ridgewood, Queens)
Style: Fruited Sour Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Ingredients: Brewed with an intensive blend of Blueberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry.
Sensory Profile
1. Appearance
Pours a thick, opaque, deep violet-red, looking much more like a premium fruit juice or a pureed smoothie than a traditional beer. It typically carries a frothy, pink-tinted head that dissipates quickly, leaving a heavy “leg” or residue on the glass—a hallmark of the high fruit content.
2. Aroma
The nose is dominated by bright, jammy berry notes. You get the immediate sweetness of ripe strawberries followed by the slightly floral, earthy tartness of blackberries. It smells remarkably fresh, lacking the chemical “candy” scent found in lower-quality fruit beers.
3. Taste
The Front: A massive burst of mixed berry preserves. The raspberry provides a sharp zing, while the blueberry adds a rounded, mellow sweetness.
The Mid: It’s a tug-of-war between sweet and tart. While the fruit is sugary, the base sour ale provides enough acidity to keep it from being cloying.
The Finish: Clean and surprisingly refreshing. Despite the thickness, the 4.5% ABV keeps it “crushable” rather than heavy.
4. Mouthfeel
This is a full-bodied beer. It has a velvety, pulpy texture that coats the palate. It’s smooth and “thicc,” staying true to the “Smoothie Sour” sub-style.
Make It Fruity: Berry Blend is a crowd-pleaser. If you are a purist looking for a dry, funky Belgian Gueuze, this isn’t it. However, if you love “pastry sours” or smoothie-style ales that prioritize intense fruit flavor and a lush texture, this is one of the best in its class.
Pro Tip: Because of the high fruit sediment, gently roll the can before opening (don’t shake it!) to ensure the fruit puree is well-incorporated for the best experience.