No Zumio
I will begin with a disclaimer: I am not a huge fan of fruited beers. I can appreciate them, but I do not go crazy for them. That said, there are certain examples that I really like. Ballast Point makes an extraordinary Grapefruit IPA, and Dogfishhead SuperEIGHT is one of the better beers I’ve ever drank. I am happy to report that No Zumio has joined the ranks of these summer time favorites.
No Zumio begins with a near-Saison style, which is already a great summer beer. The humble “Belgian Gatorade” is one of my favorite beer styles due to its simple versatility. It pairs well with most food, it accompanies most events, and it can support most additions to the flavor. Like strawberries for instance.
Strawberry saisons are a popular topic in home brewing, at least in the States. Most home brewers I know have a recipe for one tucked away somewhere. Certainly every home brewer who grows fruit has made one with their own product at some point!
No Zumio is an admirable example of the style, with wild fruity notes and a hint of clove and pepper (saison yeast?).
Style Guidelines
- Color: Yellow (04 SRM)
- Standard: Straw to dark brown; may take on hue of fruit(s), darker malts, or other ingredients (3-20(6-40 EBC) SRM)
- Clarity: Quite a bit of yeast haze
- Standard: Chill haze or slight yeast haze is acceptable
- Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Low malt notes
- Standard: Typically low to medium-low, but may vary in beers made with specialty malts.
- Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Medium hops to backup the sour fruits
- Standard: Low to medium-high
- Perceived Bitterness: Medium (10 IBUs)
- Standard: Medium to medium-high (20-40 IBUs)
- Fermentation Characteristics: Super fruity. Maybe a hint of Brettanomyces.
- Standard:
- Body: Medium
- Standard: Low to medium
Tasting Notes
Tons of wild strawberry flavors, including the herbal tang of the young fruit in the forest.
