Profiled by Maria Devan for PGA
Poured what I thought looked dark orange but then upon further inspection proved to be a nice reddish orange with a soft golden hue deep within it. Hazy. Head was off white, fell reasonably and did not leave much lace to speak of.
Nose is gentle but fruity. Orange citrus and a berry like tropical scent that is hard to pin down. Candy malt and a bit of graham cracker too.
Taste is lovely. Full taste on a soft creamy mouthfeel. Crispness in the drink and a sweet tropical fruitiness. Orange and orange pith. Finishes sticky and with a lazy bitter that lingers for a bit and then flourishes a little. Big malt flavor but not heavy. A bit of spice pops up on the nose as it warms and in the finish. Some apricot tartness takes you by surprise and the caramel comes forward more and more with a little honey to go with that orange.
I have never said this before but this beer would be perfect with a chile pepper. This drank big like a barleywine and if they put a little ancho chile in this it would be fantastic.
.
Welcome to the PGA beer rating system: one beer “Don’t bother.” Two: Eh, if someone gives it to you, drink. Three: very good, go ahead and seek it out, but be aware there is at least one problem. Four: seek it out. Five: pretty much “perfecto.”
_____________________________________Beer HERE
Maria Devan lives in Ithaca, NY and is frequent reviewer of beer and a beer lover deluxe.