Bad Seed by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a gose with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry and was judged as BJCP Category 29A, Fruit beer, with BJCP Category 27A, gose, as the base beer style. A huge blueberry nose is quickly joined by a mineral note, presumably from the salt addition. Raspberry aromatics bring an impression of tartness. A touch of lemon citrus and a hint of herb are noted, likely provided by coriander. After acclimating to the berries and a little warming, an underlying hint of yeasty character makes its way through but with no malt character. The beer is an opaque raspberry pink with an uncharacteristically pink cap that quickly fades to a slight ring.

The flavor follows through with blueberries and raspberries at moderately high levels. Lower levels of tart lemon and herb can be discerned. The lactic tartness replaces any need for bittering hops. Additional slightly savory herbal notes appear mid-palate. Decidedly tart with no noticeable malt elements. The beer finishes dry with a lingering tartness into the aftertaste. The acidity of the beer and fruit is a tad aggressive but not unpleasant. Light-bodied and moderately carbonated but not effervescent. A little prickle can be felt on the tongue, but it’s not astringent. There is a slight lingering tannic mouth-coating, like a red wine.

This gose provides an impressive berry fruitiness that is nicely balanced by its lactic tartness. The salt levels are nicely played as is the coriander. The acidity levels are somewhat assertive but may be closer to historic examples of the style. That said I found the beer to be thirst-quenching with a great balance of flavors. I would have appreciated higher carbonation levels, and a touch of wheat malt character would also be welcome. Overall, a great berry gose.