Collective Arts Pineapple Tepache 4Pk

Collective Arts Pineapple Tepache 4Pk is a Mexican-inspired Berliner Weisse brewed with pineapple puree, cinnamon, and demerara sugar at 5.0% ABV. This sour ale draws directly from tepache — a traditional Mexican fermented pineapple drink — translating those flavors into a hazy, spritzy, lightly tart beer that has earned a 4.02 rating on BeerAdvocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Ontario, Canada  |  Style: Berliner Weisse  |  Brewery: Collective Arts Brewing

Production & Heritage

Collective Arts Brewing operates out of Hamilton, Ontario, and has built a reputation for creative, art-forward craft beer. The Pineapple Tepache expression is a Berliner Weisse — a traditionally tart, wheat-based German style — reimagined through the lens of Mexico's centuries-old tepache recipe. The brew uses pineapple puree for genuine fruit character, ground cinnamon for warm spice, and demerara sugar to round out the fermentation with subtle caramel sweetness. The result sits at the intersection of sour ale technique and Latin American culinary tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Tart pineapple leads immediately, followed by a wave of warm cinnamon spice and light sour funk. A subtle tropical sweetness lingers beneath the acidity.

Taste: The first sip delivers a clean lactic tartness that quickly gives way to juicy, acidic pineapple at mid-palate. Cinnamon emerges on the back end alongside a gentle demerara sweetness that tempers the sourness without masking it. The balance between fruit, spice, and acidity is well-judged.

Finish: The finish is puckering and dry with a lemony lacto-sourness, though a pleasant pineapple juice sweetness persists into the aftertaste. Light-bodied with aggressive, spritzy carbonation that keeps it refreshing through the last drop.

How to Drink Pineapple Tepache

This Berliner Weisse drinks best cold — around 4–6°C (39–43°F) — straight from the can or poured into a wide-mouth glass to release the aromatics. Its bright acidity and tropical fruit character also make it a strong candidate for beer cocktails. A Tepache Shandy pairs it with fresh lime juice and a pinch of chili salt for a spicy-sour hybrid. A Pineapple Radler blends it with sparkling lemonade for a lighter, more sessionable serve. A Michelada riff using this beer in place of a standard lager adds a tart, fruity dimension to the classic tomato-lime combination.

Best For

• Summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings where a light, tart beer outperforms heavier ales
• Introducing sour beer newcomers to the style through an approachable, fruit-forward entry point
• Pairing with Mexican or Latin American cuisine at a taco night
• Gifting craft beer fans who appreciate creative, boundary-crossing styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pineapple Tepache taste like? It delivers a tart, lactic sourness up front followed by juicy pineapple and warm cinnamon spice, finishing dry and puckering with spritzy carbonation. The overall impression is a bright, refreshing sour ale with genuine tropical fruit depth.

How does Pineapple Tepache compare to Collective Arts Lime & Ginger Berliner Weisse? Both are Berliner Weisse expressions from Collective Arts, but the Pineapple Tepache leans into warm cinnamon spice and tropical pineapple sweetness, while the Lime & Ginger version emphasizes citrus sharpness and ginger heat. The Pineapple Tepache tends to read as slightly sweeter and more dessert-adjacent on the palate.

Is Pineapple Tepache good for sour beer beginners? Yes — its pineapple sweetness and cinnamon warmth soften the lactic tartness enough that it works as an accessible introduction to the Berliner Weisse style without sacrificing authentic sour character.

Where is Pineapple Tepache made? It is brewed by Collective Arts Brewing in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The brewery is known for combining creative brewing techniques with rotating original artwork on every can.

What foods pair well with Pineapple Tepache? Al pastor tacos mirror the pineapple-and-spice profile directly. Grilled shrimp with a chili-lime glaze plays off the beer's acidity. Coconut-based Thai curries complement the tropical fruit notes. Fresh ceviche shares its citrus-bright, light-bodied character. Cinnamon churros echo the demerara and cinnamon sweetness in the brew.

What sizes does Pineapple Tepache come in? It is commonly available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Pineapple Tepache worth the price? It positions as a mid-range craft sour ale, priced in line with other flavored Berliner Weisse offerings from established independent breweries. The use of real pineapple puree and whole spices rather than extracts supports its value within the category.

Why Pineapple Tepache?

What separates this beer from the crowded field of fruit sours is its commitment to a specific culinary reference point. Rather than simply adding pineapple to a sour base, Collective Arts built the recipe around tepache's traditional trio of pineapple, cinnamon, and raw sugar — ingredients that have been fermented together in Mexico for centuries. The result is a Berliner Weisse that tastes intentional rather than gimmicky, with each component pulling its weight. With over 5,200 ratings on Untappd and strong BeerAdvocate reviews, it has earned a loyal following among drinkers who want their sour ales to tell a more interesting story.