Festina Pêche

When done well, fruit and Berliner Weisse go together like peas and carrots. Festina Pêche’s peach/sour combination definitely does it well!

The beer pours a pale straw color, with a scant white head that dissipates quickly. The haze is as expected for the style, but the head is a bit of a disappointment. The aroma is a clean and simple balance between a light funky sour note and a bright peach background note, with neither overpowering the other but both clearly present.

On first taste, a bright and moderate acidity blends perfectly with the flavor of peach, right down to the slightly tannic flavor of the skin. Malt flavor is almost absent, but there is a low honey-like malt note. The finish is semi-dry, with a lingering sour funk. In the mouth it’s light and effervescent.

Overall, this is an excellent beer. Purists might like a touch more wheat and grain flavor (bumping up the wheat might also aid in head retention), but there’s no denying that this is a fruit beer done very, very right.