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I was really happy with the first Cedar Glade beer that I had. Mostly, I praised it for the simple label that made me understand what I was drinking and did little else. Does adding the picture of a forest destroy the simplicity of the beer? No, but I'm not sure it's an improvement. I mean, the company logo and name are pretty easy to pick out, but trying to read the actual label, especially from any distance, while standing in a busy store aisle, isn't improving.
The amber beer is recalcitrant when it comes to building a big head, and the remaining ring of bubbles will, undoubtedly, not be leaving lacing. The aroma is flowers over pine resin. It's not my favorite style of IPA, as it is not fruit-forward, but I think I smell some citrus juices, so we can see where this wind up going.
First sip is a fairly unfortunate echo of the aroma. The back end, after the flowers and pine have strangled a grapefruit, is flat and almost dry. The malt is kind of bready, and it does its best to highlight the hops, but the hops aren't playing nice with each other. Maybe sipping isn't what this beer needs.
Bottom Line: It's got promise
First sip is a fairly unfortunate echo of the aroma. The back end, after the flowers and pine have strangled a grapefruit, is flat and almost dry. The malt is kind of bready, and it does its best to highlight the hops, but the hops aren't playing nice with each other. Maybe sipping isn't what this beer needs.
Tip-in is moderate (and climbing) carbonation with flowers in the nose, but not on the tongue, while the pine resin seeps into every available space and the malt is just starting to try to tame things. The middle becomes a fairly enjoyable river of a very strong malt with robust flavors harmonizing in a way I absolutely didn't think they were capable of. The finish becomes dry and bitter, but it's not overwhelming the citrus (which joined in at some point).
Bottom Line: It's got promise
3.25/5
