We had a relatively low key weekend, so I thought I’d try to do a couple reviews today. This is one of the beers my friend Kevin brought from Indianapolis. I don’t know much about their brewery, but already had their Half Cycle IPA, which was overly bitter. So, I’m hoping this one is a little better.
Location: Poured into a curved pint glass at my home in Bloomington, IL
Numbers: 5.3% ABV, 40 IBUs, ~140 Calories
Appearance & Aroma: It’s golden in color with some orange hues. The bright, fluffy white head fell after a minute or so to just a thin layer over the top. The hop aroma is juicyfruit-like.
Taste & Feel: The body is medium in the mouth feel is smooth, and slightly oily from the hops. The flavor up front is very citrusy hoppy. In the middle, there’s a citrusy and piney hop bitterness that comes in strong, with the bitterness really peaking in the finish. The finish is all piney-citrusy bitterness with some vegetal staleness in the background. In the aftertaste, the hop oils coat the mouth and the bitterness lasts for a few minutes.
Food Pairing: This needs a beer pairing that’s hearty to help knock back the bitterness a bit. I’d probably go with a burger or steak.
Overall Impression: I liked the body and the aroma, but like the Half Cycle IPA of theirs I had, the bitterness is a bit harsh. Beyond that, the hop oils even coated the mouth in the aftertaste. I don’t know that there was any malt flavor. Overall, it was a hop bomb with a lot of bitterness and not nearly as much flavor. I still have an amber ale from them, which I’m hoping is better.
My Rating: 
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