Dr. Robot by Monday Night Brewing is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (2015 BJCP Category 28C) although the nature of the fermentation and exactly which “bugs” were used is not known. If this information was present, the beer could be placed in another category -- especially with the additions of blackberries and lemon.
Bright lemon acidity combined with moderate lactic acid will hit you first and foremost. The blackberries are further behind and fade into the grainy malt. No hop aroma was detected. It features a deep purple color with a slight haze. No head ever formed.
The flavor has an interesting combination of funky yogurt, blackberries, tannins, lactic acid and lemon acidity. Very low hop bitterness allows the funky sourness to be front and center. Malt is largely absent and the sourness could be more complex and clean. Semi-sweet finish with a lingering funk.
A fair attempt at a what appears to be a quick souring process via either probiotics or kettle-souring, Dr. Robot comes up a bit short in the melding of flavors and aromas as well as in the complexity department. Further blending or the creation of beer cocktails could highlight the uniqueness of this brew.