CANDYMAN, Candyman.. Can... Imperial Tart Ale by Great Notion Brewing
A dessert-inspired, imperial-strength sour, CANDYMAN, Candyman... Can... is a strikingly rich and intensely fruity Tart Ale from the masters of "culinary-inspired" beer at Great Notion. This brew is an exquisite blend of sweet confectionery notes and a vibrant, striking tartness, delivering an unforgettable, high-ABV sour experience.
A Story of Culinary-Inspired Craft
Great Notion Brewing, based in Portland, Oregon, was founded by three friends with a vision to revolutionize the craft beer scene with fruit-forward IPAs and boundary-pushing, culinary-inspired sours and stouts. The brewery quickly earned a reputation for its "pastry" style beers—sweet, confection-inspired brews. CANDYMAN, Candyman... Can... is a prime example of their playful, creative approach, taking inspiration from nostalgic candy and turning it into a complex, "heavy-hitter" of a sour ale.
Key Features
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Imperial Tart Ale: Brewed to a formidable 9.6% ABV, this is a powerful, full-bodied sour that stands as an Imperial version of the style.
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Dessert-Inspired Flavor Profile: A luxurious blend of Oregon Strawberries, Orange Puree, and rich Vanilla, designed to evoke the flavor of a gourmet strawberry taffy or creamsicle.
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Strikingly Sour: This beer has an assertive tartness that perfectly balances the intense sweetness of the fruit and vanilla, creating a complex, layered taste.
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Opaque & Creamy: Pours a hazy, soft pink-orange with a medium-plus body, featuring a creamy, pillowy texture often achieved through the use of adjuncts like lactose.
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Artisanal Ingredients: Highlights the use of high-quality ingredients, including regional Oregon strawberries.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: An intoxicating aroma of jammy strawberry, zesty tangerine/orange, and creamy vanilla, reminiscent of a fruit hard candy or creamsicle.
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Palate: A velvety, dense, and rich mouthfeel. The initial flavor is a vibrant rush of sweet strawberry jam and tangy orange, quickly rounded out by the rich, mellowing presence of vanilla, which tames the "strikingly sour" base.
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Finish: A long, smooth, and surprisingly clean finish that leaves a pleasant sweet-tart residue on the palate.
Awards & Acclaim
Great Notion Brewing has garnered substantial praise across its varied portfolio, establishing itself as a multi-award-winning brewery. Accolades include:
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Gold and Silver Medals at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival for various styles, including stouts and IPAs.
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Consistent recognition at the Oregon Beer Awards and Best of Craft Beer Awards, which speaks to the overall quality and masterful execution of all their beers, including their renowned tart and sour ales.
The Overall Expression: An Exquisite Confection
CANDYMAN, Candyman... Can... is truly a masterpiece of the "pastry sour" category. It’s a bold, high-ABV imperial sour ale that delivers an exquisite, confectionery experience. Perfect for those who crave a beer that is both intensely flavorful and surprisingly complex, this is a fun, delicious, and memorable brew that confirms Great Notion's status as a leader in innovative craft beer. Warning: The flavor, we can assure you, will be exquisite!
