Living Waters "Conrad" West Coast IPA

Hello, Conrad. I've had a few beers that were just named a regular name (Matilda comes to mind). I still don't know if I'm for or against it. The fact is, it's a good way to get the name of the beer to stick in my head. But there are interesting names like 60 Minute IPA or Hipster Repellant that are similarly capable of infusing their name into my head to the point that I immediately think of the beer. I think the key is that it has to be a good beer. Will this be?

When a beer is said to be a color (in this case, pale yellow) but to be clear through the middle, it is "bright." Pilsners were the first to start this kind of clear beer, and this looks just like a good pilsner. The fluffy white head is retained well, but it doesn't look like I'll get a whole heap of lacing. The aroma would not fit a pilsner, as the forward fruits are indicative of that West Coast style, and I'm into it. 

First sip is a musty taste with pine a little too present and fruit hiding as if in fear. The overall sip isn't particularly bold, and the bitterness at the end is unearned. I can't say anything beyond that I'm more than a bit disappointed at the first sip. It is in pretty stark contrast to the fruit I smelled, and I wasn't getting any pine in the aroma. I certainly hope that this picks up for the full swig.

Tip-in is generally pretty mild - even a bit sweet - with flowers and pine over muted citrus. The middle picks up with pine and bitterness latching onto the tongue while carbonation hits the roof of the mouth and a fairly nice center of the beer flows freely. The finish is a bitter affair with pine and flowers leading the way until a little skunk hits in the trail off.

Bottom Line: I need to avoid experimental beers.

1.5/5