Beer Review: Lolita

Reviewing the Lolita from Goose Island Brewing Company.
Score: 82

Bottled 11/12/11, served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 03/07/12. You can see my friend Kendra's head creepily photo-bombing this beer picture. This review is from notes from our tasting session that night.

Appearance: Dark ruby orange color that falls between translucent and opaque. Pours three quarters of a fingers of white bubble head that quickly settles into no head at all. Minimal lacing, below average retention. 3.5/5

Smell: Tart cherries and fruitiness. There's a white grape sweetness and a definitely aroma of oak. Some apple too and a little bit of what can only be described as "funk." Like a dirty gym socks smell. Wouldn't be a bad aroma if not for that stinky funk. 2.5/5

Taste: Tastes substantially better than it smells. Sweet, candied cherry. A little sugary apple, white grape and fruit. Hint of oak. Crisp, refreshing and drinkable. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied, high carbonation. Juicy mouthfeel. Sweet, sugary and slightly dry finish. 4/5

Overall: The other beers in the Three Sisters series (Juliet and Madame Rose) were noticeably better -- primarily because they did not have a funky smell. I suppose if you like that "funky sour" smell, then more power to you. At least it tastes way better than it smells.

Recommendation: If you like funky smelling sours that are cherry-apple flavored, then seek this one out. Those who do not like sours/lambics/wild ales can probably skip this one, and I think it's the least appealing of the Three Sisters for casual beer drinkers.

Pairings: Dark chocolate cake.

Cost: $16.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.