Anderson Valley Blood Orange Gose
1 log on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with tart citrus and a light brine note, backed by mild wheat and a faint herbal quality from coriander. On the palate, blood orange provides a tangy, slightly bitter citrus character that plays well against the salt, which functions more as a flavor enhancer than an overt seasoning. The body is light and lean, with a dry, tart finish that fades quickly without lingering sweetness. Overall the fruit addition feels integrated rather than syrupy.
About the Brewery
Anderson Valley Brewing Company is based in Boonville, California, a small town in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley wine region. Founded in 1987, they are one of California's longer-running craft breweries and are well known for their Boont Amber Ale and a range of seasonal and specialty releases. They have leaned into sour and wheat-based styles in recent years, with their Gose lineup becoming a recognizable part of their identity in the broader American craft market.
Food Pairings
Grilled fish tacos work well here because the salt and citrus acidity mirror the lime and seasoning already in the dish. A light ceviche is a natural match since the tart, briny character of the beer echoes the citrus-cured seafood. Soft goat cheese on flatbread pairs effectively because the salt in the beer cuts through the cheese's creaminess while the blood orange note bridges the mild tang. Cucumber and herb salads benefit from the beer's dryness, which keeps the pairing from feeling heavy.
Style Guide
Gose is a wheat-based German ale originating in Goslar and later associated with Leipzig, characterized by the addition of salt and coriander during brewing. These additions produce a lightly tart, subtly savory beer with low to moderate acidity, a lean body, and an ABV that typically falls between 4% and 5%. It differs from Berliner Weisse in that the salt and coriander are defining rather than incidental, and it differs from Belgian witbier in its sourness and drier finish. American craft versions frequently incorporate fruit to amplify the tartness and add an additional flavor dimension.