All posts by John Fortunato

PIPEWORKS BAKLA BOT IMPERIAL GOLDEN STOUT

Beers A-Z,

“Colossal” baklava-styled Imperial Golden Stout (9% ABV) re-creates sweet dessert pastry (glazed with syrupy nuttiness). Creamily cookie dough-malted richness anchors honey, lemon peel, coconut, vanilla bean and pistachio adjuncts. Lemon-caked tartness sweetened by fig-date-raisin conflux beneath caramelized bourbon chocolate serenade. As for the varied adjuncts, its pistachio influence may be nil, but the brisk lemon-peeled souring, lightly acidic coconut milking and slightly bitter vanilla bean piquancy delight its crème brulee mocha finish.

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BRIX CITY STRAWBERRY JAMS

Beers A-Z,

On tap at Poor Henry’s, fabulous vanilla-creamed strawberry shortcake sweetness contrasts lactic lemon yogurt souring and perfumed lupulin oils. Resonant strawberry puree adjunct receives vibrant Citra-hopped fruit salad tropicalia, spreading zestful orange-peeled grapefruit sharpness and tangy pineapple, peach and mango juicing all over the resoundingly fruitful finish. Another fine ‘Jam’ by Brix City!

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BELL’S SONG OF MYSELF GERMAN-INSPIRED IPA

Beers A-Z,

Frustratingly unspecific Euro-bent IPA lacks true stylistic allure as German hops and malts never coalesce into anything uniquely exciting. Instead, sharp grapefruit-orange-pineapple tang and wispy banana daiquiri boozing lost in a sea of subdued floral, herbal and vegetal notions. Musky turnip dankness and delicate lemongrass riffs reach lingered grassy hop astringency.

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STONY CREEK CRANKENSTEIN

Beers A-Z,

“Unorthodox” limited edition (2019) West Coast/ New England-styled IPA merger slightly overstates its ‘experimental’ aspect. Though bright lemon-peeled orange and pineapple tanginess brings solid West Coast influence, its sourly acidic New England styling seems adrift as limey passionfruit, vinous green grape tannins and candied pineapple tartness never fully integrate. Mild lemongrass snip also informs mildly hopped moderation.

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