Beer Review: Untitled Art Piña Killada Fruited Smoothie Ale
Untitled Art has carved out a niche for itself in the craft beer world with its innovative and often decadent smoothie-style ales. The Piña Killada Fruited Smoothie Ale is a testament to this, promising a tropical escape in a can.
First Impressions & Appearance: Poured into a glass, the Piña Killada lives up to its “smoothie” moniker. It presents a thick, hazy, almost milkshake-like consistency with a vibrant, creamy yellow color reminiscent of fresh pineapple juice or a piña colada. A minimal, quickly dissipating white head forms, indicating its high fruit content. The aroma is immediately captivating: a lush, sweet burst of ripe pineapple, creamy coconut, and a subtle hint of lime. It genuinely smells like a dessert in a glass.
Taste Profile: The first sip confirms the olfactory promise. This is an absolute pineapple bomb, delivering a huge, authentic wave of sweet, juicy pineapple that tastes incredibly fresh. The coconut notes follow, providing a rich, creamy smoothness that perfectly emulates the “colada” part of its name. It’s sweet, but not cloyingly so, with a balanced acidity from the pineapple cutting through to keep it refreshing. There’s a subtle tang, perhaps from a hint of lime or other tropical fruit, that adds another layer of complexity.
Unlike many beers, the traditional “beer” characteristics are almost entirely absent. The ale base is extremely subdued, acting purely as a vessel for the massive fruit and adjunct additions, contributing only a slight effervescence and a touch of alcoholic warmth (if you’re paying close attention). This is less of a beer and more of a fermented fruit smoothie.
Texture & Finish: The mouthfeel is undoubtedly the star here – thick, velvety, and incredibly smooth, exactly what you’d expect from a smoothie. It coats the palate beautifully. The carbonation is soft, enhancing the dessert-like quality. The finish is long and lingering, leaving behind a delightful taste of sweet pineapple and coconut that slowly fades, inviting another decadent sip.
Untitled Art’s Piña Killada Fruited Smoothie Ale is an absolute treat for fans of fruit-forward, dessert-style beers and anyone looking for a rich, tropical escape. It perfectly encapsulates the flavors of a piña colada in an alcoholic, smoothie-like format. It’s indulgent, incredibly flavorful, and remarkably well-executed, staying true to its name. While it might not appeal to traditionalists seeking hoppy or malty beer characteristics, those with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for innovative brewing will adore this.
Who is this for? This is a must-try for smoothie sour fans, dessert beer enthusiasts, and anyone who loves piña coladas. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day, as an after-dinner treat, or when you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
Available at SF Tequila Shop