Vaguely defined floral-spiced summertime moderation with foamy white head and yellow-hazed body never fully integrates variegated flavor profile. Subtle dandelion petal flowering fades into abstruse mix as acidulated malts and fresh-cut grassy hops temper citric-bound lemon custard, key lime pie and pineapple tartness. Herb-dried marigold, heather, honeysuckle and lemongrass nuances barely register at doughy oats-flaked bottom.
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead, arcane herbal-spiced hybrid doubles the resinous hop earthiness of brewers’ Good Juju for an abstruse cross between alcohol-heightened Imperial IPA and ginger root tea. Light citric influence, licorice-rooted anisette spell and boozy vodka whir barely register as blatant raw-honeyed ginger influence rages forth.
Engaging blue-bottled 12th anniversary celebrator brings restrained dark chocolate roast and subtle cocoa nibs influence to ascending chipotle-peppered habanero burn. Bittersweet molasses-soaked raisin thickness penetrates the reservedly creamy mocha interior. Dried cereal oats and flaked corn caress the mild hop-charred bittering that stimulates the throat-parched habanero heat.
On tap at Coalhouse Pizza, tentative caramel apple theme fades to desolate brown-sugared cinnamon and gingerbread spicing. Phenol hop coarsening, distant floral perfumed snip and weak honeyed wheat base further bury caramelized quince stint.
Interestingly uncommon and totally complex bronze-clouded slow-sipping summer seasonal references an old-fashioned Scotch-soured ginger-honeyed ‘penicillin’ cocktail. Brisk lemon-juiced whiskey sour entry bolsters unexpected Band-Aid-like beechwood-stalked peat smokiness redolent of German rauchbier style. Recessive grapefruit-orange conflux, slick gin-like vermouth scurry, and distant ginger-snapped peppermint-oiled herbage reach limey bottom. Serve to experimental fruit ale lovers.
Waveringly eccentric straw-cleared herbal-spiced hybrid ale (circa 2011) spreads honeyed lavender pedals across syrupy citric tang and wafting floral potpourri. Tangerine, grapefruit, and orange pick up grassy-hopped heather, hibiscus, and sage dusting. Stiff alcohol solvency will chase away softies.
