Jammer by Sixpoints Brewery is being evaluated under Category 27A, Historical Beer: Gose, from the 2015 BJCP guidelines. This historical style has experienced new life in recent years with the rise in popularity of sour beers. Many modern versions are fruited, an obvious paring that often helps balance the tartness and serves much the same purpose as the syrup added to Berliner Weisse. However, a fruited version should be evaluated as Category 29A, Fruit Beer.
As described in the BJCP guidelines, Gose is a “highly-carbonated, tart and fruity wheat ale with a restrained coriander and salt character and low bitterness. Very refreshing, with bright flavors and high attenuation.” Jammer fits the description to a T.
The aromatics open with a light floral and fruity sweet citrus, maybe kumquat, perhaps derived in part from the coriander. I don’t get an impression of tartness. A very slight grainy malt notes and a mineral impression. The beer pours a light golden yellow with a slight haze. Wispy white foam cap that hangs on into the finish. The flavor brings the tartness which is rounded off by a light sweet bready wheat malt. The balance leans toward the tartness but the malt serves to keep things in check. A subtle mineral note from the salt addition provides a little briny note. Additional lemon fruit mid palate is joined by some fresh green apple. Not acetaldehyde, more akin to biting into a freshly picked un-ripe apple. Herbal notes appear in the moderately dry finish. The lemony tartness lingers gently into the aftertaste.
The body is light with moderate levels of carbonation which could stand to be increased to be more in keeping with the style. A slight tingle on the tongue but bright rather than stinging. The salt addition seems to leave your mouth watering for another drink. Very refreshingly tart summer thirst quencher. The carbonation could be increased but otherwise hits all the marks. Nicely balanced, not overly tart or too salty. Great balance between the salt and coriander. Soft malt balances the tartness. No one element dominates the other. Very nice Gose.