Profiled by Maria Devan for PGA
Pours a lovely mahogany with a ruby hue. A fat creamy head of tan foam that fell fast but I tasted some and it was darn creamy. Clear and beautiful beer.
Nose is roast, toast a bit of fruit and a bit of coffee. A hint of nuttiness and toffee that comes forward as the beer warms. Taste is mild, roast with an almost burnt edge to it and a slight bitterness. Toast that is bread-y but the bready-ness does not become heavy.
Smooth coffee flavor and a hoppy bitterness on the tongue but it has no real flavor if you know what I mean.. Light nutty flavor at first that turns to toffee and nuts as it warms. Easy drinking good character. There is an overall fruity backnote to this beer that I found lovely. Finishes with a malty sweetness to bring it home and a bit of slickness from the medium mouthfeel.
Best I have had of this beer in quite a while. Good job Ithaca.
4.
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.