BJCP 2021 / 29D
Grape Ale
A blend of sparkling wine and a neutral base beer, from refreshing to complex.
- Drink fresh
- specialty beer
- fruit
Serve: 42 to 48F, Flute or tulip
OG1.120
1.059 to 1.075FG1.030
1.004 to 1.013IBU120
10 to 30SRM40
4 to 8ABV14%
6.0 to 8.5%The BJCP's own comments allow a wider strength range than the numbers shown.
Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Noticeable grape character that blends with the malt
- Restrained hops
- Clean fermentation
- Vague
- Winey
- Better
- Grape over clean malt
- Best
- Noticeable grape aroma over light malt, faint spicy yeast, hops low, no banana or bubblegum
Appearance
3 pts- Pale gold to ruby
- Clear
- White to reddish head, medium-low retention
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Gold to ruby and clear
- Best
- Pale gold or burgundy depending on the grape, bright, white to pink head that fades slowly
Flavor
20 pts- Grape character from subtle to strong
- Light malt, low bitterness
- Mild tartness, very dry finish
- Vague
- Fruity
- Better
- Grape with a dry finish
- Best
- Grape flavor matched to the variety, light malt support, low bitterness, mild tartness short of sour, very dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Low to medium body
- Medium-high to high carbonation
- Crisp and dry
- Vague
- Bubbly
- Better
- Light and sparkling
- Best
- Low-medium body, high carbonation like a sparkling wine, crisp finish with slight warmth in stronger versions
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Grape character that shows without taking over
Drops it
- Banana or bubblegum esters
- Heavy roast or sweetness
Writing tip
Compare it to wine. Example: 'Gewurztraminer-like grape over light malt, bright acidity, very dry and sparkling.'
Pour these
- Il TralcioBirrificio del ForteItalian grape ale, winey and dry
- Feral ViniferaFirestone WalkerBrett and wine grape
- DruifpFriem Family BrewersBelgian-style base with grape
Often confused with
- 29A Fruit BeerFruit Beer uses other fruit and keeps the beer base in front
- 25C Belgian Golden Strong AleBelgian Golden Strong has pear and pepper
Fine here
- Sour/Acidic: Mild tartness is common
Ruinous here
- Estery: Banana or bubblegum
- Phenolic: Medicinal clove
- Oxidized: Stale
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.