In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated
85
Founders Rubaeus
Aroma: “Ripe raspberry. Raspberry jam. Lots of raspberry aroma. Intense raspberry sweetness with a light malt complexity hiding beneath. Some other berry notes as well as cherry.”
Flavor: “Lots of raspberry, raspberry jam supported by a light base beer. Jolly Rancher–like candy taste of the raspberry is almost artificial. Dark cherry, blackberry, and a light honey-like complexity beneath. Cloyingly sweet up front that slowly fades into a low-to-moderate but somewhat astringent bitterness. Finishes slightly sweet, but also with the slight tannic character. A light hops bitterness helps lighten the body by cutting through the sweetness.”
Overall: “Aside from the slightly sweet finish that is offset nicely by the perceived tannins, this is a nice beer. Makes me long for early summer evenings with a bowl of gelato. This will please those who like their candy-like fruits. I could enjoy one for dessert. It would be good with a bitter chocolate.”