Beer Review: Millions XXL Slushy Sour
Brewery: 450 North Brewing Company (Columbus, IN)
Style: Smoothie / Pastry Sour Ale
ABV: 5.3%
450 North is a pioneer of the “Slushy” style, known for its XXL series that pushes the limits of how much fruit can fit into a single can. Millions XXL is a decadent, fruit-heavy entry in this lineup, designed to mimic a thick, berry-laden smoothie.
Appearance
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- Color: True to its heavy berry profile, it pours a dense, opaque dark purple or deep garnet.
- Texture: Extremely thick and viscous, often resembling fruit purée or a liquefied jam.
- Head: Expect little to no head retention due to the high fruit solids, though it may briefly produce a thin, tinted foam.
Aroma
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- The nose is an explosion of dark forest fruits.
- Dominant scents include ripe blueberry and the sharp, earthy tang of black currant.
- Sweet raspberry notes provide a bright, candy-like lift to the heavier dark berry aromas.
Flavor Profile
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- Fruit Intensity: This beer is “conditioned on an absurd amount” of blueberry, black currant, and raspberry.
- Sweet vs. Tart: It leans heavily into sweetness, tasting more like a fruit smoothie than a traditional ale. The black currant and raspberry provide just enough acidity to prevent it from being purely cloying.
- Complexity: Beneath the primary fruit layers, a soft, jammy depth emerges, with black currant adding a sophisticated tartness that lingers on the palate.
Mouthfeel
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- Body: Full-bodied and remarkably thick.
- Carbonation: Very low carbonation, which enhances the “slushy” or smoothie-like experience.
- Finish: A smooth, pulpy finish that leaves a coating of sweet fruit on the tongue.
Millions XXL is a quintessential “dessert beer”. It is less of a traditional sour and more of a celebration of berry purée. For fans of the smoothie sour style, it offers a high-intensity, fruit-forward experience that is both indulgent and refreshing.