 ElGaucho (1719), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Mar 11, 2008
Draft at brewpub. There’s definitely a fruit aspect going on here, but blindfolded I wouldn’t have come up with mango. The Masala Mama hop aroma is a little more subdued in this brew, being overshadowed by the fruit. Quite pleasant nevertheless. Cloudy, dark amber. Small layer of mostly white head, made more white from the contrast of darker body and lighter head. Not much lace. No visible carbonation. Initially, not sure I like it. Definitely exemplifies the exoticness of the tropical mango. Takes a few sips to get your bearings. Hops are clearly evident. The mango becomes very obvious quickly. Not my favorite but strangely very drinkable. Would be an excellent brew in the tropics. Sweetness would go well with tropical dishes. A little odd. I’m glad it was served in a smaller glass (10 oz?).
Old_Mr_Crow (971), Seattle, Washington, USA
Jun 25, 2008 Tap at the brewery. I was glad to have the chance to try this rarity.
Pours a relatively clear rich caramel color; tropical fruit atop the citrus on the aroma. Malts come through stronger than on the cask and draft versions of the regular IPA, leaving a caramel warmth that close to overshadows the margo flavors which are nonetheless evidence, driving the tropical fruit nature of the beer. It’s a nice beer, but it feels like a higher-alcohol concoction on the mouth, and just doesn’t approach the beauty of the cask IPA.
Skyview (2641), Papoose Jct., Minnesota, USA
May 26, 2008 On draught at the brewpub near downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pours a semi-hazed golden copper brew with an average off-white head that quickly dissipates to a white ring. Aroma of light caramel malt, mangos, papayas with a touch of citrus and grassy hop character. Taste is medium bodied, light carbonated with flavors of tropical fruits, some caramel malt, and maybe a touch of apricots. Finish is where some of the bitterness comes out but the fruit character hides a lot of the IPA hopiness and character. Still, quite refreshing and tasty.
badgerben (2990), Blaine, Minnesota, USA
May 9, 2008 Dark copper color with a medium head. Citrusy hop aroma and flavor. The mango is very light in the taste. Slightly caramelly malt finish.
Stine (1271), St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Apr 3, 2008 Golden amber pour. Calm, floral mango aroma; the typical resinousness thrown aside. Hints of cotton candy, caramel, and bubblegum. Flavor is fully of candied almonds and tropical fruit rinds; mango glows brightly and unmistakeably throughout, but it seems to lean heavily toward a stem and vine plantiness at times. Raspberry seems to wink here and there; acerbic, even a little dark. Palate is crisp and refreshing and briskly carbonated; doughiness and full caramel malts bolster the finish sufficiently. Perky and interesting, offering a well restrained, well chosen fruit influence. Nice stuff.
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