Buckbean Original Orange Blossom Ale
I’m always up for trying something new, something unique, and well, something different, but I’ll be the first to admit that I had some major trepidation regarding this offering from Reno’s Buckbean Brewing Co. Let’s get right down to it — the beer is brewed with orange blossom water (distilled water that contains the essential oils of the orange blossom).
To say that this beer is unique is an understatement. It’s way out in left field in terms of what I would normally drink on any given day, but when all was said and done, I did find myself enjoying both samples that arrived in the mail.
Appearance
Before I get into describing the beer, let’s discuss the packaging. I’m getting used to enjoying craft beers in a can lately, but the shape of the Buckbean cans (see photo) reminds me more of an energy drink than a beer, especially given the graphical elements within the design. The beer pours a hazy amber with a small orange tinted head that faded quickly.
Aroma
One word. Oranges. This brew is dominated by floral orange blossom, yet doesn’t have that sweetness typically found in your standard orange.
Taste
I’ve read reviews elsewhere describing a good deal of carbonation, but the two samples I had weren’t real bubbly. They certainly weren’t flat, but the carbonation activity was restrained. I think had it been more active, I would have been reminded too much of a soda or energy drink. As it stands, the Orange Blossom Ale is quite an interesting product. The palette is dominated by the orange blossom, yet there is slight hop presence in the finish.
Overall
I think had this one been over carbonated or sweeter/syrupier, I’d have tossed it out. However, because it was lacking in those areas, it made for a unique brew that, while it a took several sips, I grew to appreciate for it’s boldness in terms of flavor and direction. I’m not sure that I would go out of my way to buy a six pack of it, but I probably wouldn’t turn one down either.
Rating: 3/5