Beer Review: Untitled Art Blueberry Pie A La Mode Fruited Sour Ale
Untitled Art consistently pushes the boundaries of beer with their dessert-inspired fruited sours, and the Blueberry Pie à la Mode is a prime example of its audacious creativity. This 16-oz can promises a nostalgic trip to grandma’s kitchen, reimagined as a sour ale.
First Impressions & Appearance: Poured into a glass, this ale is a visual feast. It boasts a thick, murky, opaque purple hue, reminiscent of a rich blueberry compote. A substantial, creamy, off-white head forms, which slowly dissipates, leaving a lacing that hints at its viscous texture. The aroma immediately transports you: fresh, ripe blueberries dominate, mingling with notes of sweet vanilla ice cream, a hint of buttery pie crust, and a pleasant, gentle tartness that rounds out the bouquet. It genuinely smells like a dessert in liquid form.
Taste Profile: The first sip is an immediate confirmation of the aroma’s promise. It’s an intensely fruit-forward experience, with a massive burst of sweet, jammy blueberries taking center stage. This isn’t just artificial blueberries; it tastes like real, cooked-down blueberries with all their natural sweetness and slight tartness. The “A La Mode” aspect is beautifully executed, with a creamy vanilla presence that perfectly mimics the texture of melting vanilla ice cream. This rich creaminess balances the tartness, preventing it from becoming overly sour.
Underneath the fruit and cream, a subtle, almost doughy, bready note emerges, cleverly evoking the “pie crust” element and adding another layer of complexity to the dessert illusion. The sourness is present but well-integrated, providing a refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness and richness, preventing it from being cloying. The base ale is extremely subtle, serving primarily as a medium for the expansive fruit and dessert adjuncts.
Texture & Finish: The mouthfeel is luxuriously thick and smooth, truly living up to its “smoothie” or “pie filling” inspiration. It coats the palate beautifully, leaving a satisfying, substantial sensation. The carbonation is mild, allowing the rich flavors and creamy texture to shine. The finish is long and incredibly pleasant, leaving lingering notes of sweet blueberry and vanilla cream that beg for another sip.
Untitled Art’s Blueberry Pie A La Mode Fruited Sour Ale is a masterclass in dessert-inspired brewing. It’s a wonderfully indulgent and remarkably accurate liquid interpretation of its namesake. The balance between sweet blueberry, creamy vanilla, and a gentle sour tang is expertly achieved, making it incredibly drinkable for a beer of its style. It’s a bold, flavorful, and incredibly enjoyable experience that defies traditional beer categories.
Who is this for? This ale is perfect for fans of fruited sours, dessert beers, and anyone who enjoys creative, boundary-pushing brews. If you have a sweet tooth and appreciate complex, dessert-like flavors in your beer, this is an absolute must-try. It’s an ideal choice for a celebratory drink, an after-dinner treat, or simply when you’re craving something truly unique and delicious.
Available at SF Tequila Shop