For the discerning craft beer lovers of San Francisco, who are always on the hunt for innovative, boundary-pushing, and intensely flavorful brews, Great Notion’s Blueberry Muffin Fruit In the Can Edition is a beer that demands attention. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Great Notion has made a name for itself by blurring the lines between beer and dessert, and this “Fruit In the Can” edition takes their iconic Blueberry Muffin sour to a new level of fruity indulgence.
Great Notion’s Blueberry Muffin Fruit In the Can Edition: A Review for San Francisco Craft Beer Lovers
San Francisco’s craft beer scene thrives on creativity and bold expressions, and Great Notion’s approach to brewing aligns perfectly with this ethos. Their “Blueberry Muffin” series has become legendary for its uncanny resemblance to the breakfast pastry, and the “Fruit In the Can” version amplifies that experience, delivering a thick, fruit-laden, smoothie-like sour that’s more a liquid dessert than a traditional beer.
The Style: Smoothie / Pastry Sour
This beer falls squarely into the Smoothie Sour or Pastry Sour category. These styles are characterized by their generous additions of fruit puree (often in quantities that create a thick, almost pulpy texture), lactose for sweetness and body, and a kettle souring process that provides a tart counterpoint. The “Fruit In the Can” designation specifically means they’ve added “way too much blueberry puree,” promising an even more intense fruit experience than their original.
Blueberry Muffin Fruit In the Can: A Sensory Experience
Prepare your senses for a truly unique beer.
Appearance: Pouring this beer is an experience in itself. Expect a dense, opaque, ruby-red or dark salmonberry pink hue, often with a thick, almost viscous consistency that truly lives up to the “smoothie” moniker. Carbonation might be minimal, contributing to its dessert-like feel.
Aroma: The moment you crack the can, the aroma is unmistakable: an explosion of sweet, jammy blueberry that is uncannily similar to a freshly baked blueberry muffin. Beyond the fruit, you’ll pick up notes of sweet pastry, a hint of vanilla, and a subtle underlying tartness that keeps it from being cloyingly sweet. It’s an aroma that genuinely tricks your brain into thinking there’s a baked good nearby.
Taste: The flavor delivers precisely what the aroma promises, and then some. It’s a decadent blend of sweet and tart, dominated by an intense, naturally flavored blueberry. The “muffin” character comes through as a soft, bready, or cake-like sweetness that perfectly complements the fruit. The kettle souring provides a pleasant, clean acidity that cuts through the sweetness, preventing it from becoming syrupy and ensuring it remains refreshing despite its richness. The mouthfeel is thick, pulpy, and incredibly smooth, reminiscent of a fruit smoothie, with a gentle carbonation that enhances the flavors. The 8% ABV is remarkably well-hidden, making it dangerously easy to drink.
For the San Francisco Craft Beer Enthusiast:
San Francisco’s adventurous beer drinkers, who flock to taprooms like Great Notion’s Berkeley outpost (their first California taproom!) for their innovative offerings, will undoubtedly appreciate the audacity and execution of Blueberry Muffin Fruit In the Can:
- For the dessert beer aficionado: If you love beers that push the boundaries and venture into dessert territory, this is a must-try. It’s a true liquid blueberry muffin experience.
- For those who embrace bold fruit flavors: This beer is a masterclass in fruit integration, showcasing the sheer volume and quality of blueberry puree.
- For the adventurous palate: It’s a conversation starter, a beer that challenges traditional notions of what beer can be, perfect for sharing with fellow enthusiasts.
- A unique treat: While perhaps not an everyday drinker for everyone, it’s an exceptional beer for special occasions, a dessert course, or simply when you’re craving something truly unique and indulgent.
Potential Considerations:
As with all smoothie sours, the thick, pulpy texture and high fruit content might not appeal to traditionalists or those who prefer clearer, crisper beers. It’s also a beer best enjoyed fresh, as the fruit character can evolve over time.
Great Notion’s Blueberry Muffin Fruit In the Can Edition is a triumph of modern craft brewing. It’s a bold, delicious, and incredibly accurate liquid interpretation of a blueberry muffin, elevated by a refreshing tartness and a luxurious, thick body. For San Francisco’s vibrant and open-minded craft beer community, this beer is a delightful indulgence and a testament to Great Notion’s unwavering commitment to “keeping beer fun.” Seek it out and prepare for a truly memorable, dessert-like drinking experience.