First Posted: 1/19/2015

Description — Anderson Valley’s Blood Orange Gose pours a clear straw yellow with amber highlights throughout with a bubbly white head that doesn’t leave much lacing on the glass. The aroma is wonderful and will awaken the senses with notes of oranges jumping from the glass backed by subtle hints of wheat and salt with apparent tartness. This will certainly get your mouth watering.

The taste follows the nose and is unbelievably refreshing. The blood orange flavors hit the palate up front with wonderful citrus qualities followed by wheat and a candy-like tartness that finishes up with hints of salt on the lips leaving the palate invigorated. The light body and moderate carbonation aid in the refreshing qualities of this beer. While many will argue that this is a summer beer that is great to enjoy while doing chores, it is also the perfect snow blower beer to enjoy while doing winter chores to help chase away the winter blues!

Food pairing — The delicious hints of oranges and salt make this is a dream pairing for many seafood dishes. Try pairing Blood Orange Gose with salmon, clams, scallops or oysters. The addition of the salt is always appreciated in seafood while the orange notes will add a wonderful citrus kick that really enhances any seafood dish. The carbonation will carry away any fishy aftertaste. If you are looking for something lighter, try with a simple green salad with vinaigrette topped with shrimp. For an extra layer of complexity put some arugula in the salad. The citrus melds perfectly with both the dressing and shrimp while hints of salt are always welcome and the carbonation and light body don’t overwhelm the salad. Many spicy dishes are also perfect with this beer, specifically Thai dishes. The light, refreshing qualities of this beer offer something for everyone and it is simply that must be experienced on its own before pairing with food. Once you do try it, the pairing possibilities are endless.

The Final Word — Anderson Valley brought the traditional Gose style back in the forefront of many craft beer drinkers’ minds with the release of The Kimmie, The Yink & The Holy Gose in 2013. The brewery upped the ante with the addition of Blood Oranges making for not only a delicious and unique Gose but a fantastic all around beer that has something for everyone. While the idea of citrus notes in beer typically brings about thoughts of warm summer days. Instead this is a beer that is perfect for the coldest winter nights too. The flavors combine for a not-soon-forgotten experience. Anderson Valley has a wide portfolio of fantastic beers and Blood Orange Gose certainly ranks high in that portfolio. A must try beer for fans of any style.

Where can I get it? — Currently available in 12 oz. cans at: Backyard Ale House- Scranton; Cooper’s Seafood- Scranton; and Krugel’s Georgetown Deli- Wilkes Barre. Also currently on draft at: Cooper’s Seafood- Scranton.

Remember, enjoy responsibly!