Drink of the Week: New Belgium Grape Fizz Ale

It’s an odd sensation to feel nostalgic for something you never really had. Growing up, my parents refused to keep soda in the house. The only time I could partake would be at birthday parties or sleepovers. I never developed a taste for cola, but fruit-flavored soda still entices me to this day. So it would be fair to describe my demeanor as “giddy” when I received the new Grape Fizz Ale from New Belgium.

A limited seasonal release, the Grape Fizz Ale is a golden sour ale with added Calamansi lime and Concord grape juice. If you’ve never had a fresh Concord grape (another one of my summertime obsessions), picture the epitome of every “grape flavored” candy or soda transformed into a fresh, juicy reality. Upon cracking a can of the Grape Fizz Ale, that Concord aroma (and all its accompanying nostalgia) hits first. But don’t expect a sweet grape soda. The beer is fruit forward, with the grape aroma carrying through for a juicy, tart, but ultimately balanced flavor. At just 5 percent ABV, this one is simply fun and crushable—an ideal summer beer. See newbelgium.com for distribution.