CELLAR DWELLER FRANC & BARLEY (BARLEYWINE AGED IN CABERNET FRANC BARRELS)

Beers A-Z

Despite being stylishly light, multifarious pleasantries sweep and glide across subtle Cabernet Franc-barreled zinfandel wining surprisingly integrating barley-roasted nut brown ale tendencies, molasses-sugared brown chocolate sweetness and dried fruited niceties. Dewy maca-rooted cola, hazelnut, chestnut and buttered pecan variance as well as toffee-candied raisin, plum and fig illusions upend passive Cabernet influence. Caramelized chocolate malting holds steady and the busy flavor profile ultimately holds up well.

Cellar Dweller Franc and Barley Beer

RIVERTOWN HOP BOMBER RYE PALE ALE

Beers A-Z

Dubiously advertised as a hop bomb, rye-influenced pale ale brings terse mineral graining to lemony orange, pineapple and grapefruit zest. Resinous piney hop astringency contrasts juicy fruited sweetness. Moderated tea-leafed rye toasting picks up crystal-malted sugaring at sharp citrus finish. A crossover for lighter thirsts may be too timid for hardened hopheads. 

 

GREAT LAKES SHARPSHOOTER SESSION WHEAT IPA

Beers A-Z

Inspired by sharpshooter Annie Oakley, though never as brazen or memorable, hybridized wheat beer/IPA brings lemon-herbed orange peel bittering and mild sugared spicing to pilsner-malted wheat biscuit base. Floral-bound mandarin orange and curacao orange undertones add to the citric array. Distant lemongrass, fennel and basil nuances waver. Spritzy seltzer fizz enlivens simple moderation.

BOULEVARD 80-ACRE HOPPY WHEAT BEER

Beers A-Z

Refreshingly sessionable hybridized wheat ale brings aromatic IPA fruiting, light floral herbage and spiced sugaring to soft cracked wheat spine. By downplaying its tart citric aspect, delicate wood tones and salty white peppering emerge alongaside zesty lemon, grapefruit, orange, pineapple, mango and peach tropicalia. Serve to fruity pilsner lovers as well as frisky pale alers.

 

BELL’S URANUS THE MAGICIAN – BLACK DOUBLE IPA

Beers A-Z

Well-designed ‘Planets Series’ release (circa 2014) is Bell’s first foray into Black IPA styling. Dehusked black malt roast reinforces syrupy dark chocolate entry that peaks above zesty citra-hopped resilience and resinous pine sapping. Caramel-burnt molasses follow-thru sweetens dark mocha theme above lemony grapefruit-pineapple bittering as well as black grape tartness and distant clementine-tangerine-peach-mango inkling.