On tap at Chappy’s, first-rate Belgian India Pale Ale brings herbal black-peppered seasoning and sweet crystal malting to frisky floral fruited frolic. Lemon zest, grapefruit rind, mandarin orange, honeydew and melon rally past the boozy midst above soft lemongrass, basil and thyme undertones.
SOUTHAMPTON PUMPKIN ALE (2012)
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead, lackluster 2012 tapped version stays indistinct. Its autumnal pumpkin spicing fades too quickly, becoming an afterthought as bleary lemon-soured orange rind bittering eclipses seasonal expectancy. Phenol gingerbread-nutmeg-cinnamon spicing and vegetal squash-gourd acridity further mire drab liquid.
CAPITAL SUPPER CLUB LAGER
Truly middle-of-the-road canned pale body merges sour Kolsch fruiting with toasted lager crisping. Tart orange oiling, parched lemondrop-candied pucker and dry cherrywood reminder waver through sedate grassy-hopped prickle as well as distant corn-sugared Vienna malting. Musky sourdough breading envelops honeyed biscuit wheat spine. Tertiary banana, apple and grape illusions need ripening.
RJ ROCKERS BLACK PERLE DARK INDIA PALE ALE
Velvety smooth fireside sipper picks up piney molasses sapping over soft hop roast, wavered chocolate liqueur spell, dry-roasted coffee resin and wet-grained wort-like aromatics. Busy backdrop gathers dark chocolate chalking, black grape tannins, astringent nuttiness and fudgy vanilla. Arguably South Carolina’s best dark ale.
LIEFMANS FRUITESSE
Lollipop-like ‘malt beverage’ with pinkish garnet hue relies on Sweet-Tart candied pucker to enliven fruity front end. Pronounced cherry, raspberry and strawberry tang inundates Asti Spumante champagne sparkle, vinous grape tannins and zippy lemon tartness. Strawberry-seeded raspberry compote and apple-soured cranberry juicing solidify sharp-fruited finish of soda-like dessert treat.
INVERCARGILL YEASTIE BOYS POT KETTLE BLACK
Muddled dry porter/ Black IPA hybrid (with billowy tan-headed Brussels lace) leans towards the mocha side as burnt coffee bittering and slick hop-charred oiling override meager dried fruiting. Molasses-buttered pumpernickel breading and resinous cocoa-soured Baker’s chocolate residue contrast mild white-wined Sauvignon Blanc niche.
BREW KETTLE OLD 21 IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
On tap at Chappy’s, vibrant tangy fruited full body seduces the senses immediately. Brisk grapefruit peel bittering, resinous hop oiling and sugary malt sweetness get captivated by luscious cherry-apricot-apple entry. Ripe orange-tangerine-pineapple-mango-raspberry blitzkrieg storms ahead, magnifying the zesty fruitful resilience and distant rosebud-dandelion-tulip bouquet. A terrific fruit cocktail.
SPIDER BITE FIRST BITE PALE ALE
Bold and bitter enough to be considered a full blown IPA. Fine copper-toned medium-full body will please hearty hopheads, serving as a delightful crossover for daring pale ale imbibers. Juniper hop bite, oaken bark parch and charcoal tarring emblazen lemony grapefruit rind bittering above pithy sugared malt counteraction. Herbal yeast residue at sinewy bottom deepens its complexities.
PORT JEFF RUNAWAY FERRY IMPERIAL I.P.A.
Jubilant full-bodied merriment’s the pride of Strong Island. Cognac-spiked bruised orange overtones provide a tart lead-in above pine-sapped bittering hops and spicy floral nuances. Ripe cherry, cantaloupe, pineapple, peach and melon illusions add depth while buttery Chardonnay undertones receive a strong ‘whiskey back,’ affecting the fresh fruited finish, where a brazenly boozy alcohol burn awaits.
ROOSTERFISH HOP WARRIOR IMPERIAL I.P.A.
Well-rounded medium-bodied tropical-fruited refresher stays less hop-embittered than defensive war handle suggests. Soft-toned grapefruit/orange-peeled bittering receives grassy hop respite contrasting juicy pineapple-tangerine-peach-apple tang sweetening its creamy malt subsidy. Subdued ethanol crescendo ensues.
ROOSTERFISH SCOTCH ALE
Admirable wee heavy spikes dry Scotch palate with gruff orange-soured cherry tartness, sugary fig spicing and sweet tea nuances. Reluctant red wine, pinot grigios and rose’ undertones figure in the score.
ASS KISSER ROYAL DONK DOUBLE I.P.A.
Apropos piney grapefruit rind bittering coats sticky sugar-caned malting as well as orange-peeled apricot-apple-pineapple fruiting, honey nut smear and wafting floral nuances. Less aggressively hop-infused than typical Imperials (despite heady 9% alcohol flow), but more accessible for moderate thirsts.
