Stone Notorious P.O.G. is a German-style Berliner Weisse that’s brewed by Stone Brewing. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a 12 oz. can.
Packaging art for the Stone Notorious P.O.G. by Stone Brewing
What You Need to Know
The Stone Notorious P.O.G. originated as a celebrity collaboration brew back in 2016 (more on that below). This Berliner features tart orange citrus along with tropical fruit flavors of passion fruit and guava. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The Berliner pours a hazy, yellow ochre hue and is topped by an inch-thick cap of bubbly, white foam that shows good retention for the style.
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Aroma
The Notorious P.O.G. has a strong and bright aroma that wafts a scent of orange along with hints of passion fruit and guava.
Flavor
A light bready malt leads the tasting and then wallops the palate with a blast tart orange. Juicy and sweet notes of passion fruit, guava, and honey sweeten the base but then the finish returns to tart orange and a light lemon.
Label art for the Stone Notorious P.O.G. by Stone Brewing
Mouthfeel
The feel has a smooth draw that becomes acidic through the middle and its tart finish has a moderate astringency. The Berliner has a medium-light body and moderately-high carbonation.
Hawaiian POG Juice
Back in 2016, actor and comedian Jonah Ray joined Stone brewer Kris Ketcham for a collaboration brew at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — Liberty Station. Jonah, a native Hawaiian, grew up on the stuff island childhoods were made of — POG Juice. So the “P,” the “O” and the “G” were mandates for his Stone collaboration beer. Countless passion fruits, oranges and guavas later, the beer’s successive small-batch rebrews continued to be met by clamoring fans.
Overall
The appearance is better than some Berliners with a head that doesn’t disappear almost immediately. The aroma of the Notorious P.O.G. is absolutely delightful, even if it doesn’t persist through the tasting. And while it’s not as aggressively sour as some Berliners, that does make this brew all the more approachable. But it’s the palate with its complement of tart and sweet tropical fruit flavors that wins the day. Stone hits a home run with their Notorious P.O.G. and if you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and refreshing brew, you won’t find much better.
