Iowa Beer Review #108: Confluence Brewing Des Moines IPA

July 8, 20132 Comments

As the state of Iowa starts getting more breweries opening up and more breweries bringing their beer from outside states in, the competition for shelf space becomes harder and harder. Luckily, there are a bunch of Iowa breweries holding their own in the craft beer world, and one of those is Confluence Brewing Company (www.confluencebrewing.com). Located in Des Moines, Confluence is right in the middle of the ever-expanding craft beer movement with the likes of Exile, Raccoon River, Court Avenue, and 515. From the brewery:

As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines constantly surprises first-time visitors with its mix of expected agrarian heritage and influences and unanticipated cosmopolitan flare. So too, with Des Moines IPA, an American take on a world beer: India Pale Ale (IPA). Iowa’s steady, well balanced nature is reflected in this IPA with its mix of medium body, lighter color and plenty of malt flavor to balance the massive hop impact. Citrusy and piney hops from the Pacific Northwest offset the robust malt flavor of the two-row barley and medium crystal malts. Des Moines IPA proudly represents the Hawkeye State in the category of American IPA, a favorite of beer connoisseurs all across the country.

As I finished my shopping at the downtown Cedar Rapids farmer’s market, I decided to hit up Benz Beverage Depot to grab a few brews. As much as I would love to see Confluence come in six packs, I think the quart bottles kick ass. A unique, refreshing look that stands out on the shelves, and that is what sucked me in.

I’ve heard mention of their Des Moines IPA from people of twitter and facebook, so that’s what I decided my first Confluence beer would be. Upon returning back home, I sat on my deck, opened up the quart jug and shared with my brother-in-law. Not knowing what to expect, the first impression that I got was the tropical fruit aroma that made way into the wonderful bitter, pineapple taste. The quart didn’t last long, and we both were really impressed at the balance and drinkability this beer presented.

I haven’t had any other offerings from Confluence yet, but if their IPA is a sign of their other offerings, I think it’s safe to say that this brewery can be a major playing the craft beer game, I’m just trying to figure out a time to visit the brewery to see what else they have in store. Awesome beer as the Hawkeye state slowly continues to find its niche in the craft beer world! Find this beer and enjoy!

REVIEW

STYLE: IPA

ABV: 6.8%

PURCHASED AT: Benz Beverage Depot; Cedar Rapids

POUR: Hazy yellow, thick white head

AROMA: Tropical fruit aroma is clear, as well as the hop presence.

TASTE: Pineapple shines and is rounded out nicely by the hops and malts.

Ratebeer.com rating: 81

Beeradvocate raing: N/A

Overall: B+

My recommendation: Very impressive offering and happy that this is an Iowa brewed beer. Get out and buy a quart, support the state, and get yourself a fantastic beer!

Deschutes Iowa Launch Parties Dates and Times

July 3, 20133 Comments

According to the Deschutes’ website (www.deschutesbrewery.com), the list below is where and when you will find the launch party as the brewery prepares to enter the Iowa markets. If you make any of these dates I would love to hear your experience!

DES MOINES
El Bait Shop
Friday July 19th, 5-7 p.m.

Downtown Des Moines Pub Crawl
Friday July 19th, 8-11 p.m.

Cityview Brewfest
Saturday July 20th, 3-7 p.m.

Official Brewfest Afterparty
The Keg Stand
Saturday July 20th, 8-11 p.m.

Meet, Greet, Sample
Zombie Burger
Monday July 22, 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Meet the Brewer
Court Avenue Brewery
Monday July 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

MEET, GREET, SAMPLE
Tue, Jul 23, 11 am – 6 pm
Wellman’s Pub, Gateway Market , Whole Foods, Saints Pub and Patio, Dublin Bay, The Point Des Moines & Surrounding Areas, IA

BEER-LESQUE: TASTINGS AND TASSELS!
Wed, Jul 24, 9 pm – 11 pm
The Gramercy Tap
400 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-9606
www.gramercytap.com

HATS OFF TO HOMEBREWERS

Thu, Jul 25, 7 pm – 10 pm

Red’s Alehouse

405 N. Dubuque St

North Liberty , IA 52317

(319) 626-2100

www.redsalehouse.com

DESCHUTES BREWERY FLIGHT NIGHT

Fri, Jul 26, 6 pm – 9 pm

Blackstone

503 Westbury Drive #1

Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 338-1770

www.blackstone-ic.com

Update on Deschutes

July 2, 2013July 2, 2013Leave a comment

With Deschutes brewing coming to Iowa in late July, many people have been asking what beers can we expect. I’ve been talking to quite a few people about this and it sounds like their regular lineup is what they will start with and then slowly incorporate seasonals and special releases. In fact, http://www.beerpulse.com just posted an update on future Deschutes releases, when to look for them and where:

Deschutes Green Monster

When: August/September (one time release, VERY limited)

What: Reserve Series (22-ounce bottles)
Here at Deschutes Brewery, we’re always on the lookout for a chance to create something new for our fans. In short, we don’t leave well-enough alone. That’s why, more than two years ago, our brewers decided to pack up some extra beer in French oak barrels, infect it with Brettanomyces, and then wait for the transformation. Dubbed affectionately around the brewhouse as “Green Monster”, the name stuck. At the end of this experimentation story, you will find a monstrously fantastic, brand-new sour beer, with slight cherry and barnyard scents and dried fruit aroma. In fact, the only scary thing about this beer is that it is so darned limited and will never be brewed again.

Where: You’ll be lucky to find this at all.

Beer Geek Information:
~7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Deschutes Jubelale – A Festive Winter Ale

When: September-December

What: Winter Seasonal (6-packs, 12-packs and draft)
We often hear that nothing starts off the brisk fall season quite like seeing Jubelale show up on the shelves and on tap for the first time. Dark and malty, layered flavors unwrap to reveal chicory and earth notes and a hoppy kick to finish. Hints of the holidays are in every sip of Jubelale – to beer lovers, it’s like a cozy fireplace gathering. Almost as exciting as taking your first sip of this festive brew is seeing what creation a local artist has come up with to grace the label and packaging. This year’s label features a mysterious owl in an illustration by Avlis Leumas, a Bend Oregon artist who was excited to be selected to create this year’s artwork.

Where: Available in all 21 states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
6.7% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
60 IBUs

Deschutes Chasin’ Freshies Fresh Hop IPA

When: October until it’s gone

What: Bond Street Series (22-ounce bottles and draft)
Born in a ski town, Deschutes Brewery knows what it’s like to be endlessly in pursuit of untouched perfection – chasing pristine powder slopes on mountain flanks. In similar fashion, Deschutes Brewery will chase down Gamache Farms’ famed fresh Amarillo hops for this year’s vintage. Chasin’ Freshies, which first appeared in the Bend pub and came out in its bottle debut last fall featuring heirloom Cascade hops, is a nod to the snow and hop enthusiasts we’ve entertained for the last 25 years at our downtown gathering spot. You’ll most definitely want to seize the moment and enjoy the bold, juicy aroma and flavor that comes but once a year.

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
7.2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
65 IBUs

Deschutes Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale

When: October until it’s gone

What: Bond Street Series (6-packs and draft)
We know we’re lucky to be located right in the heart of hop-growing country. And the beer that ensues from this proximity is big and bold. When the Crystal hops at Sodbuster Farms are ready for harvest, our crew gets in the truck to go pick them, bag them, load them and dump the freshly harvested jewels into the brew kettle – all in just a few hours. The results of this hurried journey? A pale ale with a uniquely bright citrus punch to the nose. Worth the trip, every time.

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
5.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
38 IBUs

Deschutes The Abyss

When: November

What: Reserve Series (22-ounce wax-dipped bottles and draft)
It’s hard to believe our brewers have been lovingly creating this magical liquid for eight years now. That’s right, 2013 marks the eighth time that beer fanatics have been able to crack open the wax-dipped tops of these bottles and fall right into the complexity that is The Abyss. This imperial stout is the heart and soul of Deschutes Brewery’s Reserve Series beers, with an endless crevasse of flavor that reveals itself each November (or, if you are the patient sort, whenever this brew is uncellared and dusted off for consumption).

Where: Available in most states where Deschutes is sold

Beer Geek Information:
11% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
70 IBUs

Beer Review #107: Goose Island Sofie Paradisi

July 2, 2013Leave a comment

When AB-InBev bought Goose Island a few years back, I vowed to stay away from their beers solely on the basis of any trying to support craft breweries. It hasn’t been all that difficult to do, except for the occasional Bourbon County Stout, Matilda, or Sofie. But now, after trying Sofie Paradisi, the task may prove to be more daunting than originally thought.

I know many of you will scoff at the idea of not drinking Goose Island just because InBev owns it now, and that’s fine, to each his own. But when a beer gets this much pub and chatter about it, you just have to get your hands on it. Well, I wasn’t able to find this beer anywhere in Iowa, but on a recent trip up north to Madison my wife and I stopped and ate at the Craftsman Table and Tap (http://www.craftsmantableandtap.com/) in Middleton, WI. A really great beer menu to go along with some fantastic food (I recommend the pulled brisket sandwich and a side order of cheese curds) my eyes darted right to where the listing for Sofie Paradisi was. YES! Finally!

The difference between Goose Island Sofie and Goose Island Sofie Paradisi uses grapefruit instead of orange peel. The grapefruit is definitely in the nose along with the earthiness that accompanies a saison style brew. Along with grapefruit rind you get yeast, grassiness, and a little hop bitterness. Overall, a highly drinkable beer. More from the brewery:

60% Ale Aged in barrels with grapefruit rind and juice, 40% Ale (Base Sofie)

Now the question is…which one is better? If you’ve had both feel free to cast your vote below. I’m still up in the air, I would love to have Paradisi a few more times before giving my final verdict.

REVIEW

Style: Fruit Beer/Saison

ABV: 6.7%

Purchased at: Craftsman Table and Tap; Middleton, WI

Pour: Golden pour with a thick pillowy head.

Aroma: Yeast, grapefruit, earthiness

Flavor: A bit of oak, grapefruit, yeast, a bit peppery

Ratebeer.com rating: 97

Beeradvocate rating: 95

Overall: A-

My recommendation: A perfect summer beer. Really would love to get my hands on a few bottles of this. Terrific brew!

Iowa Beer Review #106: Great River Dirty Blonde

June 25, 20131 Comment

Keeping the theme of Iowa beers this week, we move on down the Mississippi to Davenport, IA to review a brew from Great River Brewing Company (www.greatriverbrewery.com). One of their beers is already a mainstay in my fridge and that is the Redband Coffee Stout which packs a huge coffee punch and is also remarkably smooth, but we are going to focus on one of their newer releases, their Dirty Blonde Chocolate Ale.

When one thinks of chocolatey beers, you go right into stouts and porters, but with this brew, you are getting a lighter beer with subtle hints of chocolate. The six-pack design is poised to sell just from looks alone but if you are a beer drinker who is in to pilsners, blondes, or even mass-produced BMC, this might be a perfect companion to your summer days/nights.

You got a faint hint of bittersweet chocolate on the nose once the can is cracked. The first sip is where you get the chocolate, and if you forgot their would be chocolate in this blonde ale, this first sip might take you aback a bit. After the first chocolate flavor, the subtleness and refreshing qualities of a blonde ale took over. It was easy to put down a six-pack of this and I’m looking forward to grabbing another one of these off the shelves.

Like the Peace Tree Sidekick Kolsch, this isn’t going to be a beer that knocks your socks off like some Imperial IPAs or barrel aged stouts, or anything like that. It’s just an easy drinking, perfect for the summer months, unique blonde ale that anyone can enjoy.

REVIEW

Style: Blonde ale

ABV: ?

Purchased at: Hy-Vee; Marion, IA

Pour: Light yellow pour, drank from the can or pour.

Aroma: Nice smell of chocolate initially.

Flavor: Chocolate flavor right away and then mellows into a nice blonde.

Ratebeer.com rating: 32

Beeradvocate.com rating: 85

Overall: C+

My recommendation: Very enjoyable and unique. If you want something easy drinking this is a great choice.

Beer Release News: Green Flash, Widmer, Goose Island

June 17, 2013Leave a comment

Some news on some harder to come by beers has made its way to the Baron. Green Flash, Widmer Brothers, and Goose Island all have beers that should be making their way into our market in the next few months and a couple of these might be harder to come by than others. Here we go!

Green Flash Citra Session IPA – My sources tell me that is beer is only going to be available on draft at these locations (so far): Parlor Ciy, The Mill, Reds Alehouse, and Lot 1 (Dubuque). Should be seeing this brew this week! More on this beer:

ABV: 4.3%
BA Score: 81
RB Score: 87

From the brewery: A pale gold citrusy brew with notes of lemon and floral undertones, this is the perfect summer IPA.

Widmer Brothers Kill Devil – Kill Devil is a brown ale made with brown sugar and molasses and then aged in rum barrels. The date for this is not quite definite yet but hopefully in the next few weeks. More on this beer:

ABV: 9.5%
BA Score: 83
RB Score: 90

From the brewery: Aged in Puerto Rican rum barrels, and brewed with Sweet Barbados and Blackstrap molasses, palm sugar, and Calypso hops, Kill Devil’s flavor and name were inspired by the ingredients used by Caribbean distillers.”

Continue reading →

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum has Arrived…..Finally!!

June 4, 20131 Comment

It seem I’ve been waiting on this beer to hit our shelves for a while now, and according to John’s Grocery’s facebook page, Sierra Nevada Hoptimum is currently in stock on their shelves. Along with Founder’s Devil Dancer, these two have made it a nice week of hops for Eastern Iowa hopheads. Enjoy the brew!

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum:
Ratebeer.com: 100/100
Beeradvocate: 93/100

From the brewery:

A group of hop-heads and publicans challenged our Beer Camp (#19) brewers to push the extremes of whole-cone hop brewing. The result is this: a 100 IBU, whole-cone hurricane of flavor. Simply put- Hoptimum: the biggest whole-cone IPA we have ever produced. Aggressively hopped, dry-hopped and torpedoed with our exclusive new hop varieties for ultra-intense flavors and aromas.

Hops, hops and more hops are the stars of this big, whole-cone Imperial IPA. Resinous ‘new-school’ and exclusive hop varieties carry the bold and aromatic nose. The flavor follows the aroma with layers of aggressive hoppiness, featuring notes of grapefruit rind, rose, lilac, cedar and tropical fruit – all culminating in a dry and lasting finish.

Beer specs:
ABV: 10.4%
Original Gravity: 22.8 Plato
Final Gravity: 4.5 Plato
Bitterness Units: 100 IBU
Color: Orange Amber
Bittering Hops: German Magnum
Aroma Hops: Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
Dry Hops: Simcoe & New Proprietary Variety
Torpedo Hops: Citra & Chinook
Malts: Two-row Pale, Golden Promise, Munich & Wheat
Yeast: Ale

iabeerbaron's 10 Beers for Summer

May 29, 20133 Comments

The weather is getting warmer, the grass has just been mowed, and there are various meats sizzling on the grill. You’re conflicted as you reach into your beer fridge and try to decide what beer to go with. Do you go with a lighter pils, a higher ABV IPA, or a dark, thick, stout? The answer? All three are perfect for summer weather! Now I know that most people like to have sessionable beers for summer, but don’t think that a stout doesn’t go down smooth and refreshing on a nice summer evening, or that a big IPA can’t be enjoyed on your deck as you watch your kids play. I could go the route of listing a bunch of sessionable beers but let’s make it fun throw everyone in the pool. All styles are fair game this time of year, and here is my breakdown of what to enjoy this summer. (All available in Eastern Iowa). Sidenote: I know that I most likely left out some beers unintentionally so feel free to add your favorites.

10. Madhouse Hopburst
Brewery: Madhouse Brewing
City: Newton, IA
Style: American IPA
ABV: 7.2%
Website: www.madhousebeer.com
A wonderful American IPA brewed right here, in the great state of Iowa. A great balance of malt and hops make this an easy pick for a very enjoyable summer beer. Enjoy this beer with a bratwurst loaded with sauerkraut, spicy mustard, and onions or a thick ribeye cooked medium rare. Perfect!

9. Millstream Big Honey Hefeweisen
Brewery: Millstream Brewing
City: Amana, IA
Style: Weizen Bock
ABV: 9.2%
Website: www.millstreambrewing.com

Another Iowa brewed beer making the list and this is a big boy! A huge aroma and flavor of bananas, rounded out by cloves and tons of honey make this a fantastic beer for a crisp fall day/evening, but also makes for the perfect ending to a warm summer day as well. Enjoy this beer with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream to end the evening.

8. Bells Oberon
Brewery: Bells Brewery
City: Kalamazoo, MI
Style: Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Website: www.bellsbeer.com
Moving onto a more “sessionable” and distinct beer for the summer. Bells Oberon ale is usually on everyones’ summer list when it’s time to talk summer beers, and rightfully so. Citrus and spice flavor make this a very refreshing summer beer pick. Pair this with some grilled fish and a tomato avocado salad and all will be well with your day.

7. Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat
Brewery: Lost Coast Brewery
City: Eureka, CA
Style: Fruit Beer
ABV: 5%
Website: www.lostcoast.com

Summer can’t be complete without a trip out west to California. A staple in my fridge throughout the summer months is Lost Coast’s Tangerine Wheat. Not only do I enjoy one or two of these but it is the perfect beer to have on hand for the BMC drinkers to enjoy as well. It seems that most BMC loyalists will always welcome a fruit beer, not sure why, but anyway, this brew has a low ABV and a refreshing tangerine presence. Tough to pair fruit beers but a light salad with a tangerine wheat vinaigrette would do nicely or some shrimp tacos with spicy salsa.

6. Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale
Brewery: Brasserie Dupont
City: Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium
Style Farmhouse/Saison
ABV: 6.5%
Website: brasserie-dupont.com/
I have really taking a liking to saison styles in the last 6-7 months and it’s all thanks to this beer. Saison Dupont has everything you need in a saison: barnyard qualities, grassiness, banana, black pepper spice, and citrus. Amazing beer for a summer day. This beer would go perfect with a herb seasoned beer can chicken stuffed with lemons and onions!

5. Founders All Day IPA
Brewery: Founders Brewing
City: Grand Rapids, MI
Style: IPA
ABV: 4.7%
Website: www.foundersbrewing.com

Association sessionable to IPA isn’t usually ones’ first thought. But Founders Brewing has created a beer that will appease both hopheads and also people who want to sit around at a camp out and drink a six-pack or two of really good beer. Take it on a picnic with a bucket of fried chicken and coleslaw!

4. Summit Oatmeal Stout
Brewery: Summit Brewing
City: St. Paul, MN
Style: Sweet Stout
ABV: 4.7%
Website: www. summitbrewing.com

A popular summer destination for my family is supper at The General Store Pub in Stone City, IA. Why? Good bar food, a great locale, and Summit Brewing Oatmeal Stout on tap! A wonderfully, creamy stout, easy to drink and hard to put down your glass. Goes well with some fried foods or just on its own.

3. Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
Brewery: Boulevard Brewing
City: Kansas City, MO
Style: Farmhouse
ABV: 8.5%
Website: www.boulevard.com

A beer that is moving up my “favorites” list is Boulevard’s Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale. Boulevard hits an absolute home run with this brew, and coming in a 8.5%, a bomber of this, an all-beef hot dog with sauerkraut, jalapeños spicy, mustard, dill pickle relish, and an L.A. Dodger game will do just fine.

2. Green Flash Imperial IPA
Brewery: Green Flash Brewery
City: San Diego, CA
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9.4%
Website: www.greenflashbrew.com

Man do I love this beer. The description of this beer says, “It’s all about the hops!” and there’s no doubt about it. An in-your-face Double IPA with amazing citrus flavor that is slightly balance by malts. My favorite Green Flash beer so far. Smokey, sticky, mouth-watering BBQ ribs and a bomber of this Imperial IPA make for quite an evening.

1. Toppling Goliath pseudoSue
Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewery
City: Decorah, IA
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Website: www.tgbrews.com

Described as an American Pale Ale this beer has more hop presence than some IPAs on the market. If you are craft beer lover from Iowa I’m guessing you’ve had this beer, if not, you must try! All craft beer lovers for that matter! Toppling Goliath is starting to put their name on the craft beer map nationally and this is one of the beers responsible for that. Hard to come by in bottles for the time being but hopefully soon they will be cranking them out quick enough to meet or come close to the demand. Second to none and goes great with some spicy chicken wings, a medium cooked hamburger with grilled mushrooms and swish or just enjoy this work of art by itself.

**Once again, a fun list to come up with, a fun list to drink, but I know I left some beers out. Feel free to add comments and let me know what your favorite beers of summer are. Cheers! **

iabeerbaron’s 10 Beers for Summer

May 29, 20133 Comments

7. Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat
Brewery: Lost Coast Brewery
City: Eureka, CA
Style: Fruit Beer
ABV: 5%
Website: www.lostcoast.com

5. Founders All Day IPA
Brewery: Founders Brewing
City: Grand Rapids, MI
Style: IPA
ABV: 4.7%
Website: www.foundersbrewing.com

4. Summit Oatmeal Stout
Brewery: Summit Brewing
City: St. Paul, MN
Style: Sweet Stout
ABV: 4.7%
Website: www. summitbrewing.com

3. Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
Brewery: Boulevard Brewing
City: Kansas City, MO
Style: Farmhouse
ABV: 8.5%
Website: www.boulevard.com

2. Green Flash Imperial IPA
Brewery: Green Flash Brewery
City: San Diego, CA
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 9.4%
Website: www.greenflashbrew.com

1. Toppling Goliath pseudoSue
Brewery: Toppling Goliath Brewery
City: Decorah, IA
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.8%
Website: www.tgbrews.com

**Once again, a fun list to come up with, a fun list to drink, but I know I left some beers out. Feel free to add comments and let me know what your favorite beers of summer are. Cheers! **

Beer Review #104: Founders All Day IPA

May 23, 2013May 23, 2013Leave a comment

As the summer months approach and temperatures heat up, that means more time for outdoor activities. I’m a huge IPA fan but sitting outside on a hot summer day and drinking IPAs all day long would lead to a good amount of drunkenness. Thankfully, Founders Brewing (www.foundersbrewing.com) has saved the day! A few months back Iowans have been able to get their hands on one of their newer releases, a sessionable IPA named All Day IPA. For those unsure of what a sessionable beer is, they are essentially a low ABV beer that you can enjoy in multitudes.

Founders really hits a home run with this beer. From the labeling on the bottle of a family car looking to go on a camping trip, to the great use of the hops, and finally the ability to make this IPA sessionable makes this a wonderful beer perfect for summer and will be even better when it gets released in cans just in time for college football tailgating season.The days of drinking any BMC (bud, miller, coors) products during the summer just because of their low ABV are gone. Welcome to the new revolution of beer drinking! From the brewery:

The beer you’ve been waiting for. Keeps your taste satisfied while keeping your senses sharp. An all-day IPA naturally brewed with a complex array of malts, grains and hops. Balanced for optimal aromatic and a clean finish. The perfect reward for an honest day’s work and the ultimate companion to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

I have had both Founders All Day IPA and Lagunitas Daytime, and I much prefer the Founders product. If you are going into this looking for the next blow your mind, in your face, biter hop dominance, then you are looking in the wrong spot. This beer gives you the wonderful citra hop flavor, but it doesn’t have the bitterness of some/most IPAs. It is smooth and creamy and all-around delicious. So grab a sixer, get the grill or smoker fired up, throw your favorite food on the grill, pull up a lawn chair, and enjoy as many as you’d like!

REVIEW

Style: IPA

ABV: 4.7%

Purchased at: John’s Grocery, Iowa City, IA

Pour: Dark gold pour with a medium-sized white head.

Aroma: Pine, citrus hops aroma dominate along with some dankness on the nose.

Flavor: Citrus hops dominate the flavor, maybe a tad of floral taste as well. The bitterness is missing but doesn’t take away from the brew.

Ratebeer.com rating: 96/100

Beeradvocate.com rating: 87/100

Overall: A-

My recommendation: A go to beer for the summer for sure. A great concept, and they come through by providing a very tasty sessionable beer.