The Guinness Open Gate breweries here in the U.S. (in Baltimore and Chicago) are known for having license to brew interesting, limited, non-Irish stout beers, and for the Lunar New Year this year they brewed up a fruited ale, Luck of the Dragon. Proceeds generated by the beer sales benefitted several organizations (which I posted about here).

Brewed with dragon fruit powder and orange (or tangerine) purée, it’s 5% ABV with no note on IBUs or other details. If I had to guess, I’d say the recipe started as a blonde or perhaps a wheat ale with low hopping rates, as a vehicle for showcasing the fruit character and color.

Appearance: Pink-orange hue with some clarity and a light pink head.

Smell: Fruity with orange and a bit of a “red soda” character (cherry, strawberry, etc.) — red fruit, which comes off bright and pungent. Some grainy character at the back.

Taste: Light fruitiness but it’s indistinct and gives way to more of a golden ale maltiness with a bit of bitter orange. Mellow—flavor falls away at the back, and leave just a light fruity and bitterness that is slightly herbal.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light body, pretty clean with a quick finish.

Overall: The fruit contributed more color and aroma than flavor; it’s okay, but definitely a novelty.