That's four different kinds of hops. I don't know which ones were used in the dry hopping—possibly all of them. I don't think I've had enough dry-hopped beers. I remember liking the ones I have had in the past, and I suspect there is a rich tapestry of them out there in the world, but I only get access to so many. As a result, I try what I can get ahold of. Today, I got this beer from my brother, who kindly sent it all the way from its birthplace in Texas.
She's hazy, and she might look even more like orange juice than most of these crazy hazy beers. The dark orange color puts me in mind of bruised oranges or possibly mandarin oranges. The nose follows suit, and I get those mandarin oranges with some grapefruit and botanicals. I am all about the smell of this beer. It is making my mouth water, and I want to dive into a lake of this and drink my way out.
First sip is thick and rich with citrus fruit and overall deliciousness. There is a flower or two tossed in for good measure, but this is all about the fruity hops, and they are living their best life. The light bitterness at the end lets me properly appreciate how sweet the middle is, with the orange and grapefruit seeming to ooze fructose or something. This is really enjoyable. Can you tell?
Tip-in is very mild carbonation with sweetness and tartness coming from orange rinds and mandarin pulp. The middle picks up with thick, fruity goodness that has the heft of a baseball bat and the smoothness of a pane of glass. The finish is a dollop of flowers that bring bitterness, and then sweetness comes back for the trail-off.
Bottom Line: Dear Chris (Head Brewer): Ya done good, son.
5.0/5
