Tennessee Brew Works "Hippies & Cowboys" IPA

We've had a run, haven't we? I've had seven other beers from these guys, and I think I have started to see a pattern. That pattern is that they are growing. They are working toward some good beer, and the journey has been a bit all over the place. They have had great beers and beers that I can't recommend, but, as I have said to many people, I can't tell you what you'll like - I can only tell you what I like. And I like the gumpshun this brewery has.

Is hippie bong water amber? Is it hazy? Does it come with a frothy head of big bubbles that fizzles to a ring around the glass and a light, indistinct pad in the middle? If so, that's what this looks like. If not, that's still what this looks like, and I have never actually seen bong water. The aroma is not what I imagine bong water would be - it's breadfruit, citrus, and a light yeast.

First sip is smooth, though not crisp. It has a good, solid bread base with citrus lightly spread across the top. The sweetness of the fruit combines with the grains of the bread to present a quite enjoyable hunk of beverage. There is bitterness from the hops, but it's far in the background, and I'm fine with it staying where it is. The sip is quite nice.

Tip-in is citrus and bread with carbonation sizzling quietly around the edges. The middle rides in waving a flag of grains and some caramel while kicking up a slight bitter dust underfoot. The finish sweetens suddenly before a sting of bitterness leads to a musty yeast trail-off.

Bottom Line: The cowboys and the hippies are getting along just fine.

3.25/5