Pomegranate is one of those fruits I’ve only had a couple of times in that past and I always come away with the same feeling — I could take it or leave it. It never wowed me. Nor did it ever disgust. So, it was with mediocre trepidation/excitement that I grabbed a bottle of He’Brew’s Origin last month and decided to try it out.
According to the brewer’s website, pomegranates have meaning to those of the Jewish faith. It only seems appropriate that a product like this would come from Shmaltz Brewing. That’s pretty cool, but I’m more interested in what effect over 10,000 pomegranates per batch have on an Imperial Amber brewed to celebrate the company’s second decade in business.
Appearance
Origin pours a reddish copper in color with a small off-white head. This is a good looking glass of beer.
Aroma
Sweetness and citrus dominate the nose at first while the pomegranate aroma comes in towards the end. The smell of this brew is definitely pleasant and balanced.
Taste
I suppose I was expecting more of a pomegranate punch, but the fruit’s presence is light at best. It really blends nicely with the hop and malt profiles that dominate the beer for the most part. Origin is light bodied, crisp and refreshing.
Overall
This one surprised me a good deal. i enjoyed it thoroughly and have since bought a couple more bottles of it. The light fruitiness to it along with its crisp nature make it perfect for a lazy, hot summer day.
Rating: 3.5/5
June 18th, 2009
Melissa Komadina said:
Hi there! Glad you enjoyed Origin, I definitely agree it hits the spot on a hot day. You should check out our seasonal, Rejewvenator, and see what date juice does to a doppelbock/Belgian-style dubbel. L’chaim!
Melissa from Shmaltz