Boston's brewers seem to have an endless list of recipes waiting in the wings for their limited releases: as one fades from memory, another appears, often more intriguing then the last. In the case of this Pistachio Cannoli Pastry Cream Ale, it's a beer that warps style guidelines and is, to put it mildly, something of an experience.
Pouring a deep apricot hue with rich vanilla custard aromas jumping from the glass, this pastry-inspired ale is certainly imbued with the character of a sweet, decadent dessert. Pistachio is present both subtly in the aroma and more prominently on the palate, adding a touch of oiliness to the body in the process. As expected, the sweet character persists into the finish for quite some time, creating a slightly cloying effect that can be countered by ensuring you consume at fridge temp or below.
Boston have been impressing lately with their creative limited releases and, while this pastry cream ale might not suit all tastes, it’s a beer that is well put together and does just what it says on the tin.
Jono Outred
Published February 21, 2024 2024-02-21 00:00:00