Moscow Mule is an American Wild Ale brewed by Ballast Point Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a tulip glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The ale pours a clear golden hue and is topped by an inch-thick cap of dense ivory white foam that shows modest retention. A thin ring of bubbles rounds the glass following the reduction.
Aroma
The aroma is sweet and sour with a scent of lime, lemon, and sugar.
Flavor
The palate begins with a taste of sourdough bread and transitions to a sharper note of soured citrus. Tart and juicy lime is spiced with ginger and mellowed by a sweet note of sugar cane.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is slick with a crisp, dry finish. Its body is medium and effervescent with high carbonation. A warming sensation from the ginger and alcohol is mild.
Overall
As I’m not too familiar with the Moscow Mule cocktail, I can only judge this beer as being a Wild Ale. However, for what it’s worth, I read other reviews and there seems to be a consensus that this brew doesn’t taste much like a Moscow Mule. So do with that what you will.
As a Wild Ale, the brew meets expectations. Its appearance is in line with the style, the aroma has the expected lactic sourness, and its palate follows much the same. The spiciness complements the brew nicely but its sweetness might be a bit much for some. Its feel is lively and a high ABV is masked well. A good but not necessarily remarkable sour beer.
Recommended Pairings
Ballast Point recommends the following food pairings with their Moscow Mule: sweet potato and peanut soup, Thai green papaya salad (Som Tum), and cheesecake.