Foreign Object "Black Carpet Magic" New American Hoppy Ale

I know I should let it go, but it's as simple as this, Foreign Object: your can design sucks. They are hard to read, they are hard to photograph, and they are hard to tell apart. Pile this on top of the fact that they are not as distinctive as cans or as beers as you think, and they start to become a blur of beer that is, quite unfortunately, quite forgettable.

The color and consistency is the same as the others - orange and grapefruit juice mixed. The head is very reluctant on this beverage, and I really had to try to get as much foam on top as you see in this picture; this is definitely a departure from earlier efforts. The aroma is light, orange, grapefruit, and tangy. It's not a bad smell.

First sip is quite nice. It's gentle and approachable, but it has a definite bitter twinge to it over the citrus that makes me feel like there's a lot going on under the surface that I can't see. The citrus is mixed with grains, and the tartness is all at the front end, but it's generally pretty smooth and very drinkable.

Tip-in is orange and tangerine with a slight tartness and carbonation just tickling. The middle is a smooth river of deliciously well-balanced orange, tangerine, grapefruit, flowers, and stiff grains. The finish washes that away with a swell of bitterness before the citrus sweetness is left on the lips.

Bottom Line: Definitely the best beer these guys have made yet.

4.0/5