Heavyweight Juhlia

Formerly brewed at Heavyweight Brewing Company
Style: Traditional Ale
Ocean Township, New Jersey USA

I had to put aside all commonly held perceptions of what constitutes a traditional beer in rating this masterpiece. Similar in style to a gruit ale, Juhlia is flavored not with hops, but with juniper berries, and herbs among other things. It pours cloudy golden with no head, and very little carbonation to speak of. Its not a pretty beer, but it is exceedingly tasty. Flowers, yeast and berries are the foremost flavors, but there are so many others swimming about in there it is difficult to describe accurately. Juhlia’s soft mouthfeel, crisp quenching qualities, and exotic flavor profile make this an excellent candidate for a hot summery day.

Pours a hazy orange with a thin white head. Smells strongly of juniper berries, juniper branches, flowers and pine resin. Taste is slightly spicey with some saltiness and pronounced flavors of juniper, gooseberries and some heather. Finish is very pronounced and strong making this a surprisingly bold beer given its low ABV. Kudos to Heavyweight for doing this one as it exceeds any attempt at a sahti I’ve had before.

On tap at Spuyten Duyvil, looks like this thing is 3 years old. Poured into a wine glass with a strong, thick head, which turns into a surface covering lacing. Color is a beautiful, thick, dark golden with light orange tints. There is plenty of light radiance absolutely no clarity through the beer. Aroma is strong with tartiness upfront and a tangerine-perfume floralness. Just so cool, its almost brett-esque but fruity and solid a the same time; everything just melds so well together. Taste is a conservative version of the aroma, list perfume and tart but still there. Sooooo damn quaffable and finishes with a light dryness. Slight acidity at the end. I came to have one glass and had to have three as opposed to trying other awesome beers on tap at the time. And if I go back I will have more.

Rerate- Sampled at the EBF, holding up admirably for such a low abv brew. The juniper really comes through now, mellowed and a slight sour twinge. Completely refreshing, unlike any ale I have tried. Finally getting to my notes on this one. Had it at the HW 5th anniversary (Congrats again!!) Very reminiscent of a gruit ale, herbal. Was definitely an interesting beer. Couldnt put my finger on the taste, but Tom pointed out that bread yeast was used. Would defininitely like to see this one bottled!

Tap at Spuyten Duyvil. Very pale golden with a thick white head. Aroma is fantastic with lots of fruity sweetness, light juniper, mint and a touch of apple/pear character. Light wildness on the nose as well. Floral with a soft muskiness as well. Grassy flavour up front that is quickly replaced with light spiciness, rye and juniper berry. Apple/berry fruits with a soft spearmint flavour that creates a soft cooling effect in the mouth. Refreshing tartness. It’s hard to believe that this beer has held up like this for >3 years, but there you have it. Highly quaffable. I really hope that there is another keg of this stashed away somewhere.

Poured a cloudy gold color with a small white head and nice lacing. Sweet and spicy juniper, dry and grainy aroma. Citrus fruits up front and a bready, dry, rye taste. A very interesting creation.

The fruity taste Juniper? I thought cardoman. A different taste unpastuerized and fresh. Good though I wouldn’t drink it on a regualr basis.

Slightly hazy light copper color with a good head but diminishes. Spicy and zesty aroma with a clear juniper essence but it isnt too overpowering. Lots of malt for support, and has a very full body. Tastes like it is stronger than it is. Pretty good experimental beer.