Beer Review: Great Notion Mosca Michelada
Great Notion Brewing is renowned for upending traditional style guidelines with its culinary-inspired, boundary-pushing releases. With Mosca Michelada, they apply that innovative lens to a timeless classic, crafting a fully realized, scratch-made Mexican-style beer cocktail in a can.
Rather than simply adding a dash of lime to a light beer, Great Notion builds this from the ground up, using a crisp lager base and layering in a rich, savory blend of traditional spices, tomato juices, and bright citrus. It pours a deep, hazy crimson-orange with a lively, fleeting foam that immediately gives off the appearance of a freshly mixed drink at a favorite brunch spot.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: A bold, savory punch right out of the gate. The nose is dominated by rich, salted tomato paste, freshly squeezed lime juice, and an intriguing blend of chili powder and black pepper. A subtle undercurrent of classic Worcestershire sauce adds appealing umami depth.
- Flavor Profile: The palate is incredibly complex, striking a beautiful balance between bright acidity, deep savory richness, and a touch of heat. Up front, you get a sharp, zesty snap of lime and tangy tomato juice. Mid-palate, the savory elements take over, showcasing a distinct, salty, celery-seed-and-spice-cabinet complexity. A gentle, prickly chili warmth slowly builds on the back of the tongue without becoming overly spicy or intense.
- Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and highly effervescent. Despite the dense tomato and spice additions, the carbonation keeps the liquid remarkably light and zippy on the tongue, preventing it from feeling heavy or cloying.
- Finish: Crisp, tangy, and intensely mouthwatering. It finishes dry, with a lingering hint of salted lime, smoky chili skin, and a crisp, clean snap from the underlying lager base, instantly readying the palate for another sip.
Technical Specifications
Style: Michelada / Spiced Beer Cocktail
ABV: Varying around 4.0% to 5.0%
Key Ingredients: Crisp lager base, tomato juice, lime, proprietary Mexican spice blend
Appearance: Opaque, hazy crimson-red
Bitterness: Very Low
Mosca is an incredibly vibrant, savory achievement. Great Notion captures the authentic, complex essence of a house-made Michelada recipe, wrapping it in a package that offers pure, refreshing, and deeply satisfying drinkability.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
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