I saw the bottle and immediately decided that I had to review this beer. I’d never heard of it and didn’t check to see if it was an India Pale Ale, pilsner, porter, light beer. I just went for it by its name: Abita Purple Haze.

When I poured it, I was a bit surprised with what I saw. Abita Purple Haze has a burnt orange kind of color. I wasn’t expecting it to be purple, but I was thinking it would be a darker color that one could say has a hint of purple in it. However, there is a serious haze or cloud swirling around inside. You can’t see through the beer at all because of the haze.

Unlike the purple haze some Jimi Hendrix fans may know all too well, Abita Purple Haze has a very mild smell. You can pick up hints of flowers and raspberries, but it’s very calm.

I’ll be honest, it didn’t have the unique flavor I was hoping for. It tasted like a pretty standard pilsner, crisp and light. However, it didn’t go down like a run-of-the-mill pilsner. At first, it was very easy on the tip of my tongue. But all of a sudden, the power kicked in and created a long and powerful, fizzy finish. The taste of a bowl of tart berries lingered for a few seconds afterwards, which was the best part.

After taking my notes, I decided to read what the back of the bottle said about the beer. Here’s what the company writes:

“Purple Haze is a lager brewed with real raspberries added after filtration. It is brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. The berries add a fruity aroma, tartly sweet taste and a subtle purple color and haze … you even may see fruit pulp in the beer.”

This is another beer that would go great on a hot, summer day. As for foods to try it with, I’d suggest light appetizers, a fruit salad, and perhaps a grilled chicken breast. Or, you could crack one open with a chocolatey dessert.

Ultimately, this wasn’t my favorite beer, but it was still good. I’d definitely go get a six pack when the weather warms up.

Published on March 3, 2016 at 12:01 am