Country of Origin: United States
Availability: Summer seasonal.
Price comparison: About the same per twelve ounces as everyday beer.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 8%
Cute bottle/label? Twenty-two ounce brown glass with standard metal cap; black label decorated in bright primary colors with flames and an old-time auto circa 1930s.
Appearance: Brunette with thick, nearly-white foam that left sheets of lace on the goblet.
Scent: Cider, lemon peel, grapes, clean malt, and an interestingly forestlike hoppiness. (I almost said pine, which is sort of what it reminded me of, but not like pine cleaner. Like trees. Okay? Okay.)
Flavor: Hugely hoppy, but balanced incredibly well by the maltiness, which isn't so much sweet as it is breadlike (most likely due to the high concentration of rye in the grain content). Very dry, pithy finish, balanced more to the malt than to the hops.
Impressions: Exceedingly refreshing and surprisingly drinkable. Very full-bodied and deceptive - it drinks like a 4% alcohol and therefore kicks you twice as hard.
In respect of the flavor balance, the fact that this is a summer offering is not astonishing. Whether your preference is cold, dark-green salads and hot grilled vegetables, slow-smoked barbecue, or plain old hot dogs and hamburgers, this would be a great treat. I might even drink this with a strong seafood such as grilled salmon, but I think it would overtake anything really delicate.
Will I buy this beer again? I bought two this time round, 'cos the label was so cute I wanted to give one to a friend. However, the beer's so good he may not get it after all.
Rating:
4 out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: May 30, 2005
