Back Forty Beer Co. Bamamosa - Review
I don’t know the spacing conventions for the word “Bamamosa”, but nonetheless, we must discuss it here through the written word. To put it into context, I was watching Alabama football and had purchased these because Bama is in the name and a Mimosa is perfect for an 11’o clock kickoff. After having several of these now, including having bought them again, my capsule review would be- it wasn’t what I expected, but it was as good as I had hoped.
When you think “mimosa”, you’re thinking of something that’s probably sweet, leading with the orange and dragging with that champagne bite. This doesn’t quite do that because it’s not champagne- it’s ale. Specifically, it’s Brut ale. Brut ale is an IPA that flirts very heavily with champagne. “Beer with Champagne characteristics” some might call it. It’s interesting because it’s kind the blunt wide taste of an ale, the strength of an IPA but the feel of champagne. I was really drunk after like three or four of these, but I will say- I did not really feel bloated or anything. It’s a very smooth drink in that sense. In terms of the mental aspect, these things are 7% ABV. You have to be really aware of your driving timeline if you crack more than one of these. All that to say, the inventors of this thing, at Back Forty Beer Co., have made something that I think has some staying power.
Earlier I stated that mimosa lead with the orange juice. This is the opposite of that. In this case, the ale is like a blunt wide wave enveloped lightly with the fruity and mildly sweet juice. The juice is there and it adds the vital complementary notes to the beverage. But it isn’t the point of the spear, it’s more like the strap of a very expensive spear. I do have to say, the Bamamosa impressed me. It’s a very complete package, one that is more refined and articulated than what I expected. This is a more serious beer than I thought.
If you’re a craft beer person or just a person person, in Alabama, you should try the Bamamosa. It feels authentically Alabama somehow, while also being kind of elegant. It’s not what I expected, it’s better. A smarter, more impressive beer than I anticipated. It feels like it takes a lot of influence from my beloved Leinenkugel Summer Shandy’s, but is perhaps a smidge more country club. I came in expecting macho Surfside and left with a fancy wedding beer. I felt manly but also cosmopolitan, which is truly a rare sensation on the Gulf Coast. I solidly recommend this beer, the Bamamosa.
