Stone. These people are just downright
good. Maine, however, I have not a single experience with. But, if Stone decided to crew something off someone else's label, it really has to be a great beer. Am I setting myself up for disappointment? Possibly, but I'm going to jump in, either way.
The bright, clear gold beverage has a good enough head that dissipates to a ring and splotchy covering on the top. So, it comes off as a generic macro brew except for the stick-to-it-ive-ness of the bubble top. The aroma is more yeasty and floral than your average lager, and the pure wort smell that I normally detect in a solid German-style lager is lingering under it all.
First sip is bready, floral, and almost buttery. Along with that is a grapefruit citrus that really helps everything stay mellow while it is flavorful; I am not getting any of the bite or even a funk off of this beer. This is well balanced for the flavor that it is presenting - no bite is impressive.
Tip-in is bread, grapefruit, and that slippery butter. The middle comes with bread, biscuits, citrus, and the whole thins is fantastic. The finish is a crash of spices, flowers, and the slightest hint of that wort that I love to experience.
Bottom Line: Jeebus, that is a good beer.
4.75/5