Somersault - New Belgium Brewing

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a deep golden color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is sweet, floral, some citrus. Taste is citrus, malts, a bit sweet, very easy drinking and refreshing. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a solid beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 19:43:32 | More by tone77

Offa

California

3.73/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is a very good, solid pale ale.

Gold, big white head steadily shrinks to thin foamy top and foamy lace.

Aroma is nice, being grain, hay, lemon, light fruitiness ( mostly peach).

Taste is soft light sweetness with light herbal grassy bitterness, stronger at finish, peaches & hay up front, long grain-cracker-peach finish with hint of mineral water.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 00:35:01 | More by Offa

stakem

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks are owed to Kegatron for gifting me up with a bottle of this months ago that got lost in my fridge. 12oz into a sensory glass, the brew pours a lightly hazed golden yellow color with a finger of white froth. Rising bubbles maintain a silky smooth layering atop that is less than a finger. Some strings of webby lace stick to the glass.

The aroma has a fresh grainy quality about it. Lots of citrus notes reminiscent of coriander fill out most of the profile with a very faint herbal hop and zesty inclusion. As the brew warms up and more smells are taken, the brew has a bit of a grassy quality that fits with the whole theme.

The taste has an oily coriander inclusion that is lemony and a bit herbal. Some sweet grain inclusion provides a bit of a wheat-like base. Mildly tart with the lemon flavor that is on the verge of being almost perfume-like. The alcohol while timid is felt in this brew with an accenting perfume quality and minor fusel tinge.

This is a light bodied brew with a moderate amount of carbonation. It is easily drinking but with a bit of an exaggerated coriander and lemony feel that I just didnt dig all that much. For a summertime offering, yeah I could see throwing a few of these back without much effort. But it isn't something I would pick if I was given options.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 03:38:48 | More by stakem

nickfl

Florida

3.78/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours with two fingers of white foam on top of a perfectly clear, golden body. The head settles at a moderate pace and leaves nice lacing on the glass.

S - Tart notes of apricot, wheat, and bread with some peppery notes.

T - Smooth, bready malt up front with some fruity tartness. Apricot and coriander in the middle and a finish of stone fruit, wheat, and light herbal hops.

M - Medium thick body, moderate carbonation, and a balanced finish.

D - Not bad for what it is, though it is an odd one. The tartness is refreshing but the apricot flavor isn't to my liking.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2012 02:39:44 | More by nickfl

kylehay2004

Florida

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: 1.5 finger head with nice lacing on a clear bright deep golden body.

S: i almost get a smokey note out of this one with slight lemon sweetness and mostly a plae malt/barley base.

T: lots of honey and herbal notes, tart citrus hops, musty grains and malts.

M: light to medium body and moderate to high carbonation.

Overall: this is certainly drinkable and different in good ways. Wouldnt say I love it but can appreciate is appeal.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2012 02:39:00 | More by kylehay2004

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.53/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Kind of a bright yellow appearance, slightly cloudy, tiny and thin white bubbles amass at the top in a small .25" kind of way on the top of the beer. Aroma was crisp, spring like, effervescent.

Taste, maybe Noble hops, high carbonation, really light body, miniscule tartness and a tiny amount of bitterness. I thought it was enjoyable in the summertime, I dunno how much I'd be down for this one in cold weather. Whatever the yeast presence brings, its light, dry and refreshing. Never a heavy aftertaste or flavor component that lingers. Dry grass, mild and tame lemon notes.

Perfect keep your edge stuff for disc golf, barbecues, tailgates etc. . .

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2012 23:52:47 | More by Beerandraiderfan

tut2528

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: pour is a yellowosh-gold, pours about 1/2 fingers worth of head formation that is very carbonated and thus dissipates quickly. carbonation is easily seen and the brew is mildly transparent.

S: smells of honey, lemon, hops, big apricot fruitiness, and slight grain.

A: more graininess here than in the nose but its not overwhelming. the fruitiness, mainly the apricots, as well as the hops help create more balance in this brew.

M: very light on the tongue, high carbonation, goes down very quickly. doesn't leave much on the palate.

O: i prefer more complex brews that have a bigger body. i was given this by a family member so I am very grateful to have tried it. It would be a nice brew for anyone first starting out in the micro/craft brew world. It provides a nice touch of simplicity, yet at the same time adds a few characters to help the palate grow.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2012 23:38:12 | More by tut2528

baos

Indiana

4.33/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Really nice lacing over a golden body with the a tiny tiny bit of haze. The look of it is great. Nice lemony grassy taste and smell. This is a very refreshing summer ale. I'm having it in the wet fall right now, and its still almost perfect, but in the hot sun this one would be spot on.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2012 23:21:24 | More by baos

rlee1390

Indiana

3.5/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Clear yellow, some carbonation, one finger head.

S-Bread, malt, bland. Some grass and lemon.

T-Bread toast, lemon, pilsner malts, no skunkiness or bitterness.

M-Light, mild carbonation and crisp.

O-A boring, bland beer. This did nothing for me. I could drink it again but I have no reason to

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 15:57:07 | More by rlee1390

Jadjunk

Georgia

4.43/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Part of New Belgium's Summer Folly Pack, and their current summer release.

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle to my New Belgium Fat Tire Pint Glass. Served in the low 40'sº Fahrenheit.

(Appearance) Pours a cream white head of a thick and sudsy consistency with an above average retention. Lacing is medium thick. Body color is a mildly hazy golden amber with ample carbonation. Very nice appearance overall for a Blonde Ale and good head quality. 4

(Smell) Husky pale malts, citrus ream, a floral hop bouquet and a waft of tart grapefruit. A nice complex and balanced aroma. Despite having a mildly rugged aroma, the overall nose is clean, exciting and approachable. I like how the aromas blend and compliment one another, and the potency is high. Very nice. 4.5

(Taste) Bright citrus and pale malt flavor with a small touch of graininess that is followed through with a complex and refreshing floral hop, sweet honey and a mild tart apricot finish, not shockingly in-your-face like the Apricot presence in Magic Hat's #9. Finishes slightly dry and tart. Really high drinkability and the flavors are all bright and enjoyable, despite the drink's age. This is a very enjoyable Blonde Ale. 4.5

(Mouthfeel) Texture has some foamy carbonation on the back of the tongue, finishes mildly tart and very slightly dry. Body is medium for a Blonde Ale, light overall. Alcohol presence is very low. The overall experience could thrive with a creamier or more spritely carbonation texture. 4

(Overall) Another fantastic seasonal by New Belgium. As always, this may not be making a return in the near future, but don't mind the date as those flavors are still vibrant and exciting even when not at their freshest. There's a little of something for everybody in this beer. Even if you don't enjoy Blonde Ales, I'd recommend you give this a shot anyway, as it's one of the most definitive examples of why Blonde ales don't have to be bland and predictable. 4.5

New Belgium Brewing Company's
Somersault Summer Seasonal
4.43/5.00

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2012 22:11:33 | More by Jadjunk

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.68/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly darker golden color. Nose is of hops, lemon and a bit of a floral vibe overall. Taste follows with a touch of other fruit like apricot. As a summer beer, I think this one lacks the crispness and refreshing qualities that I personally desire. It's a little busier than most of my sumemr favorites, but given the more pedestrian nature of New Belgium's line (Fat Tire, Ranger, etc), I do appreciate the uniqueness here.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 13:29:39 | More by TheRealBigC

Hatzilla

California

4.33/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Clear golden amber with minimal head

S: Lemony, biscuity, peppery with some maltiness.

T: Follows the nose. Lemon, pepper, fresh-cut grass. Light and clean.

M: Smooth, medium carb, dry finish.

O: An excellent, highly drinkable summer beer. Clean, light and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2012 22:02:13 | More by Hatzilla

righthereisay

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Purchased a 12 pack in Atlantic Beach, NC at Food Lion for $12.99.

Didn't pour, as I was on the beach all of the time....bottle looked nice though.

Smell - citrusy, a little malty.

Taste. First thought. Did they take Fat Tire, and add some citrus to it? Orange and maybe some lemon? Possibly lime? I bet they started with Fat Tire and got this...

Mouthfeel - Nice body, crisp, dry. Very nice for downing on a hot summer day.

Overall it is a nice, crisp, Complex, full bodied, very drinkable. Although I think they started with Fat Tire, that may be a good thing. Sometimes you do what you do best, and add to it.

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2012 18:32:38 | More by righthereisay

BrownAleMale

Wisconsin

3.08/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap from Nice Ash Cigar bar poured into a New Belgium snifter glass

Appearance- A nice golden yellow with 1 finger of cloudy white head that stood pat for a good long time.

Smell- Got wheat with lots of citrus notes.

Taste- Wheat with lemon and orange flavors and a sour hop finish that works well with the wheat. Was really happy because I'm not a big fan of piney hops and I've noticed that many New Belgium beer uses the piney hops.

Mouthfeel- Nice amount of carbination mixed with a very drinkable mouthfeel.

Overall- Was impressed with this not being a big New Belgium guy. Very good summer beer. Not as good as some of the pale wheat ales but it holds it's own for summer beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-03-2012 03:05:14 | More by BrownAleMale

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bottle from somewhere in Minnesota. From notes.

A - Golden pour. Bright with a one finger fluffy white head. A few lace rings and a film of retention were left over.

S - Wheaty, orange, some sweet spice.

T - Peach or apricot, orange, wheaty, sweet spice, yeast.

M - Good carbonation, light to medium body, fruity and dry finish.

O/D - A nice summer blonde ale. Lot's of different fruity notes than the typical citrus, and really easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2012 12:20:57 | More by tbeckett

DannyHartman

3/5  rDev -20.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This is a pretty decent beer.... Not close to the best beer out of the New Belgium Brewery, but certainly in the upper half of what I've had from this Fort Collins brewery.... It definately tastes better out of the tap.... It has a "not too hoppy" taste, but quite enjoyable.... It's almost as if there's more citrus notes than it being a super hoppy beer.... I prefer it over Shift, 1554, and would place it right around Fat Tire as far as quality of taste, though they are completely different tastes.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 17:53:50 | More by DannyHartman

TAMU99

Virginia

4.3/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Exceptional!

Wow! What a GREAT beer! Squarely in the excellent session beer category.

A - Light amber with medium head.

S - hoppy, citrus, malt background.

T - phenomenal! An incredibly well (properly) hopped beer. THIS is what hops should taste like. You can taste the interesting acids and tart flavors - a bitter bitter here and there - very engaging. Nicely balanced with a strong malt profile that tones down the bitterness. Citrusy sweet. Yum.

M - perfect - a bit bubbly, but just right

O - Exceptional! I will and have bought this frequently. Love this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 06:49:21 | More by TAMU99

alysmith4

District of Columbia

3.43/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Picked this up from the grocery store, and was pleasantly surprised at how good it is! Appearance and mouthfeel are average, but the smell and taste were very flavorful. Lots of fruit (without being sweet), spice, yeast, and lemon make this a refreshing summer beer. I'd have this one again and again.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2012 17:24:29 | More by alysmith4

MutualAid

Texas

3.88/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours golden with a really nice white head that clings to the glass. Aroma is very malty with a hint of citrus. Wow, flavor is not what I expected at all: again malty, but like a whole grain cracker with no sweetness. The hops make their presence known with a lime note in the finish. While this is an ale, it reminds me more of a pilsner and is equally drinkable on this hot Texas afternoon. I wish I had a sixer of this. Very, very easy to drink. Definitely one for those lawn chair days.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2012 22:20:07 | More by MutualAid

Ben4881

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A - Pale yellow with a slight amber hue, but remarkably clear. Evervescent bubbles leading to a sheet white, frothy head that has excellent retention. <4.5>

S - Sweet, malty, with a hint of pepper spice. Hops are very mild. <5>

T - Citrus, slightly tart hits the front of the pallet and holds through to the finish. Pale and amber malt flavors are present, but short-lived as is the alcohol, which breaks to a dry, mild bitterness. However, the tart citrus flavor returns to accompany the mild hop bitterness in the aftertaste. <4>

M - Light body, moderate carbonation. <5>

O - Very drinkable, an interesting balance of citrus and bitterness that pushes the malt bill to the background. It has excellent lacing. Could easily put away 2 or 3 on a lazy afternoon. <4.5>

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2012 23:20:25 | More by Ben4881

denver10

Colorado

3.9/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear, golden yellow with a white head. A nice bright, smooth aroma' a little grainy with big and kinda sweet and juicy lemon aroma. Flavor followed suit. A nice medium bodied and active mouthfeel. Overall, I was really surprised by this and quite enjoyed it. A very nice summer beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2012 03:34:24 | More by denver10

elNopalero

Texas

4.23/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

In honor of the Olympics? Nah, just good beer for the summer.

This poured a clear light golden yellow with a mountain of foam. Seriously!

There’s a delicate aroma of light orange and citrusy pollen that comes across, along with hints of lemon and lemon verbena. The aroma and the flavor are both very citrusy and very light. This is one easy drinker—the flavor has a defined, laid back citrus character with a rounded smoothness and some floral hints.

Enjoyable & easygoing.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2012 07:41:29 | More by elNopalero

vfgccp

New York

3.25/5  rDev -14%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Beautiful golden color with a full and solid white head. Really nice lace with good retention.

S- Slight musty aroma with a light lemon note. Finishes with a slight tart fruit smell.

T- Light and mello with a slightly citrus taste.

M- Light and low carbonation

O- Decently drinkable for a summer ale but overall very underwhelming.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 01:36:52 | More by vfgccp

Josiah2729

Tennessee

4.65/5  rDev +23%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into tulip glass.

Appearance: Yellow, golden-blonde with little head, but nice lacing.

Smell: Spiced fruit, light malt, belgian yeast, some belgian style sweet alcohol.

Taste: Sweet malt, slight citrus hops, grassy yeast, slight alcohol.

Mouthfeel: Smooth with nice carbonation. Refreshing easy to drink.

Overall: A very pleasant surprise to find in the grocery store. Great belgian style blonde ale. Delicious!

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2012 05:52:03 | More by Josiah2729

CHickman

New York

4.38/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tasting notes from 7/8/2012: pours clear gold amber color with a fluffy white 2 finger head that was full of bubbles and faded slowly, leaving very good foamy lacing.

Smells of sweet malt, grains, citrus hops, lemon, caramel, grass and musky hay; soft overall with some fruity notes.

Tastes of sweet malt, grains, citrus hops, lemon, biscuit, caramel, grass, musky hay, yeast and some fruit like apple or pear; nice balance and combo of malts and hops, for an overall tasty flavor.

Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth with mild zesty carbonation that's refreshing and easy to drink with a medium/light body. A summer beer with flavor that goes down easy and was perfect on a hot summer night. Well done, another winner by New Belgium.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2012 02:47:45 | More by CHickman