I've searched four times to validate that I haven't already done a review of this beer. I feel like the problem with Voodoo Ranger at this point is that the funny and funky different outfits they put on the skeleton man have stopped being unique. This particular one is not helped by the rather subdued colors, and the man himself almost fades into the background. I never really know if I've had one of a particular beer until I look it up on this blog. After all, it's the reason I started writing stuff down. But, at least I didn't complain about New Belgium and their branding issues with Voodoo Ranger this time.
The quite cloudy yellow beverage produces an average head that simmers down to a thin and almost complete layer on top of the beer with the strong ring around the sides and a little bit of lacing left in its wake. The aroma is tropical and citrus fruits with tangerine, grapefruit, pineapple, and orange all vying for supremacy. I can almost smell the bitterness that comes along with the hops, but I assume I'm just imagining that. I'm sure there will be plenty of malt to tamp it down.
First sip is pretty rough. The bitterness is not being kept at bay by the malt, and the hops are not nearly as pristine as the aroma. Instead, the hops come across as rinds, pits, and stems. I would tell you what the malt tasted like, if I could taste one. As it is, I just get the bitterness from the hops because the malt isn't doing its job. I'm really hoping that a swig gets better, as I couldn't buy this in a multipack, didn't buy it alone, and I may be stuck with 11 other beers that are the same flavor.
Tip-in is moderate carbonation with lemons, grapefruit, and a touch of tangerine. The middle cranks up the carbonation as the center of the mouth is enjoying a relatively smooth and enjoyable mixture of all of the fruits of tasted so far. The finish is abrupt bitterness with carbonation as the fruits turned to stems and pits.
Bottom Line: Not without merit, but nowhere near their best.
1.75/5