Flat auburn-bodied short-headed blonde greeted by gently watered dirty grains before soft hop fizz and aromatic fruitiness brighten otherwise sterile finish.

Hippie chic psychedelic bee label, citrus-y ‘Hempen Ale’ aroma, and fruited pale malts confront bitter-grained luster for rich frothy-headed complexity. Heavy Brussels lace coats the top as yeast sediment cakes the bottom of mellow Beatles-inspired curiosity.

Light, watery, unobtrusive New England ale brags about its ‘hoppy’ 19th century history. Bitter nuttiness forms at back of the throat but slim fruitiness, spritzy carbonation, and unstable barleymalt spine lack assertiveness. For amateurs ready to crossover from run of the mill pilsners to microbrewed ales only.

Dark rust-hued brew buttresses perfumed hop aroma, nutty mocha bitterness, and barley-roasted graining with buttery malt perusal, nicking brown ale styling. Only disappointment comes when lingering sweet ‘n’ sour balance dips below shallow watery texture, giving soft finish neutral blandness.