“Lemme tell youse somethin’ else. I ain’t never thrown no lure for no striped bass in my life!” – Bob the Garbageman, Legendary Chunker
Here at On The Water, we have a deep respect for Bob and his dedication to fishing only the finest, freshest bunka chunks. But, despite the name and artwork of Stellwagen Beer’s tasty raspberry gose, I get the feeling that a warm PBR in a brown bag is more Bob’s speed. And that’s okay. Chunkin’ Hard or Hardly Chunkin’ may be a bit of an acquired taste, but one thing is for sure—it’s crisp, flavorful, and refreshing.
I cracked one open when the office clock struck Beer:30 last Friday, and before I could return to the fridge for round two, they had disappeared. Perhaps it was the hot pink can or the perfectly-chunked mackerel art that caught the eyes of my cohorts, because they went quick. There’s no doubt in my mind that a 4-pack would be too easy to crush during a standard 24-hour soak. Best grab a couple packs while you can.
Chunkin’ Hard or Hardly Chunkin’ has a distinct flavor profile unlike any beer I’ve tried. It stands out among other sours not just in taste, but in color. In a frosted pint glass, the blood-red beer pours with a light, foamy head, and the first sip is glorious. It is lightly carbonated, slightly tart—due to each gallon being conditioned with more than a pound of raspberries—and has a medium mouthfeel that is mellowed out and balanced by a touch of salinity. For a beer that promotes the chunking experience, those salty little notes at the finish felt very appropriate.
Sour, sweet, a pinch of salt, and background notes of wheat (to remind you that you’re still drinking a beer)—Chunkin’ Hard or Hardly Chunkin’ is a brew that has it all. And while it may not be Bob the Garbageman’s choice beverage, any beer connoisseur or “bunka chunkin’ mook” looking for a little flavor to wash away the lingering taste of menhaden oils would enjoy sipping on a cold one.
Stellwagen Beer Company
Chunkin’ Hard or Hardly Chunkin (Raspberry Gose)
ABV: 5.6%
Homeport: Marshfield, MA
Official Score: 8.6/10
Available for pickup at Stellwagen Beer Co. OR on draft.
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