Pride of the Chesapeake Bay, this spry citrus-scented winter treat cloaks sweet malt essence with dark fruity pungency and crisp hop supplement. But it’s closer to briskly carbonated summer ale than spicier heartily robust holiday seasonal.
Monthly Archives: January 2009
CLIPPER CITY RESERVE INDIA PALE ALE
Muted barley and polite citrus consume nose before rigid bitter hop depth enhances dark nutty fruitiness. Relentlessly astringent and full-bodied to the brisk bittersweet finish with enchanting candied yeast overtones adding sturdiness.
(CLIPPER CITY) RED SKY AT NIGHT SAISON ALE
Savory up-front bruised orange souring gains noticeable alcohol riff as syrupy malt resilience counters engaging juniper bitterness of uncommonly rich summery Saison. Banana, grapefruit, and coriander illusions excel along the way.
(CLIPPER CITY) PEG LEG IMPERIAL STOUT
Opaque mahogany stout commences with black chocolate souring complementing coffee-roasted espresso, cocoa, and molasses bitterness. Black currant, bruised cherry, and black licorice coat wood-dried recess bracing mellow Merlot-port luster.
CLIPPER CITY PALE ALE
Beautiful floral citrus aroma complements dry orange-lemon rind bitterness and mocha malt sweetness. Spiced hops fortify toasted barley finish for red ale-like luster a tad below more organic microbrews.
(CLIPPER CITY) OXFORD RASPBERRY WHEAT ALE
Formerly brewed by Oxford Brewery, this newer version, “fermented with real raspberries,” seems worthier. Tart raspberry theme never overwhelms mineral grain outline, cider-y tinge, and seltzer-like carbonation, but needs better wheat resolve.
(CLIPPER CITY) MC HENRY OLD BALTIMORE STYLE LAGER
Unconvincing honeyed malt drear, remedial lemon-soured hop fizz, and washed out barley dearth dim abruptly dissolving sourdough finish. Subsiding orange marmalade wisp wavers.
(CLIPPER CITY) LOOSE CANNON HOP 3 ALE
Absolutely rejuvenating hop-drenched refreshment, possibly inspired by highly respected nearby Delaware brewer, Dogfish Head, leads with enthusiastic bittersweet grapefruit brim, orange marmalade facade, and tangy peach-nectarine fervency. Major piney spruce hop penetration fortifies crisp graining and heavy malt efficacy coddling loud melon-cherry-berry valley.
CLIPPER CITY GOLD ALE
Opaque light-bodied amber-hued blonde ale moderates fuzzy carbolic acidity with subtle citrus-cherry sweetness and slim grain trim. Toasted barleymalt continuance fades quick, leaving wee vegetative, herbal, and floral respite to supplant fruited plain.
CLIPPER CITY CHESAPEAKE AMBER ALE
Loud citrus-brightened barleymalt frontage, herbal hop-spiced nose, and orange peel influence harbor fey berry-cherry fringe cracked wheat finish can’t maintain.
(CLIPPER CITY) BELOW DECKS BARLEYWINE STYLE ALE
Retaining mighty 10% alcohol kick but lacking stylistic warmth, smoothly thin chestnut-cleared barleywine finds abrupt orange tang plus red apple, cherry, and pear illusions overwhelmed by oncoming metallic astringency. Indecisive floral hop spicing depletes fruity margin as well as chewy caramel malting.
CLIPPER CITY BALTO MARZ HON MARZEN LAGER
Easygoing moderate-bodied Oktoberfest fades politely spice-hopped almond-toasted marzipan nicety into freshly baked bread swirl and citric-candied honeyed wheat backdrop. Phenolic vegetal earthiness as well as metallic acidity kept to minimum for thin session beer.