If you’re a fan of tart, citrusy brews, you may have stumbled across Squeeze Please, a lemon gose beer from UK-based experimental brewery Tooth & Claw. This small-batch creation combines classic German sour traditions with a modern, zesty twist—but does it live up to the hype?
In this review, we’ll explore the history of Squeeze Please, the pour and appearance, aroma and taste profile, and finish with my personal verdict after trying it myself.
The History of Squeeze Please and Tooth & Claw
Squeeze Please is brewed by Tooth & Claw, a creative brewing collective operating within Camerons Brewery in Hartlepool, England. Formed in 2018, Tooth & Claw was established to allow Camerons’ brewers more freedom to explore unique beer styles. Using a 70-litre pilot kit, the team crafts over 40 limited-edition beers each year, often pushing boundaries with flavors and ingredients.
Squeeze Please is their take on a lemon gose, a sour German-style beer originally from the town of Goslar. Traditional goses are brewed with coriander and salt, creating a distinctive tart, slightly savory flavor. In Squeeze Please, Tooth & Claw adds a strong citrus kick with lemon zest, offering a modern twist on the centuries-old style.
The Pour: Appearance & Presentation
When poured, Squeeze Please presents as a hazy, pale golden beer with a soft white head that fades fairly quickly. It looks refreshing and unfiltered, with visible carbonation. The haziness is typical for the style, hinting at a juicy, citrus-forward drinking experience.
Aroma and Taste: Lemon-Forward and Lightly Tart
On the nose, Squeeze Please delivers a bold lemon zest aroma, evoking fresh citrus peel or lemon sherbet. There’s a slight saltiness in the background, giving it a unique edge and balancing the sourness.
The taste follows through with:
- Bright lemon flavors upfront
- Moderate tartness that’s refreshing, not overwhelming
- A light saline finish from flaked sea salt
- Low bitterness and a soft, smooth body
At 4.3% ABV, it’s a highly sessionable sour beer that doesn’t overpower the palate but still keeps things interesting.
My Verdict: 3 out of 5
After trying Squeeze Please, I’d rate it a 3 out of 5. It’s refreshing and decent, especially for fans of citrusy sours, but it doesn’t quite break new ground or leave a lasting impression. I appreciated the balance and drinkability, but found it a little one-dimensional overall.
That said, if you’re exploring the world of goses or want a light, summery sour with lemon flavor, this could be worth a try.
Leave a Reply