Country of Origin: United States
Price comparison: About the same as everyday beer.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 7%
Cute bottle/label? Standard twelve-ounce brown glass; the label is accented with gilt and metallic purple. On the back is an explanation of "hop ottin'" (Boontling for "hard-working hops") and of "Boontling" (the name given to the patois of Anderson Valley, California, where this ale originates). Quite helpful.
Appearance: Very clear goldeny brown; soaplike head and clingy lace.
Scent: Oh, pretty. Intensely floral hops with citrus and rosemary.
Flavor: Rich; butter and malt to start, but the hops makes itself present quickly, along with a light lemony tartness that leaves the finish refreshingly crisp and clean with very little spiciness.
Impressions: I want to kiss the tall scruffy kid at the Other Package Store for pulling this off the shelf and saying, "This is calling you. It's the hoppiest ale I've got."
Will I buy this beer again? In a six-pack. At the price and for the flavor, this is a brew well worth making into a regular visitor in my home. And the not-too-dramatic 7% ABV means I won't have to feel guilty about having more than one when I have to work in the morning.
Rating:
4 out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: December 22, 2003
