Breckenridge Brewery Buddha’s Hand
The Buddha’s hand fruit is a bit of a strange looking thing. It’s resemblance to H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu, albeit cheerfully yellow in color, didn’t have me too worried. Had Breckenridge Brewery’s Buddha’s Hand been some sort of imperial stout, I’m sure the malevolent liquid would have me telling a different tale — perhaps even from some stygian abyss.
As it stands, however, this 6% ABV (15 IBU) Belgian-style witbier is the first release in the brewery’s new Mountain Series line of beers. It’s a beer that presents the typical flavors of the style along with an interesting combination of lemony citrus and melon that I can only assume come courtesy the Buddha’s hand fruit. The overall character of the beer is light, delicate and comfortably refreshing.
Appearance
The brew pours a lightly hazy, golden straw in color with a dense cap of off-white foam.
Aroma
Wheat, lemony citrus, melon, hints of banana, honey and distant spices combine for a smooth aroma.
Taste
The flavors follow the nose to the note. Wheat, grain, banana, melon, light lemony citrus notes, a subtle tartness and and soft malt presence all combine for an overall delicate flavor. The brew is still strong enough to refresh and satisfy with its light body and soft carbonation.
Overall
Having never encountered Buddha’s hand fruit before, I’m assuming that the lemon citrus and melon notes that persist throughout the beer are the result of it’s introduction to the brew. I’m not the biggest fan of witbiers in general, but I like the additional influence the fruit brings to the table. Breckenridge have a tasty little treat here.
With so many companies producing beer in the U.S. right now, it’s a constant struggle to find the next big thing or additional flavor element that the rest of the industry may be lacking. At the moment, with this particular beer, it’s this squid-like fruit. Who knows what we’ll have in the future — perhaps even the squid-like appendage of Cthulhu itself.
Rating: 3.75/5
This is a review of a promotional sample.
