beer_name: YuleSmith (Summer)
text: 22 ounce bottle poured into a snifter. No bottling info is given but this is the recently released Summer 2009 version. Comes in at 8.5%. A-Pours a semi-clear apricot color. Has a one finger off white head that deflates to a nice layer that sticks aroud. There is definite clumps of yeast sediment floating in the glass. It leaves lots of lace. The color is its only flaw; the head retention is great. S-Tons of fresh hops. The malt stays in the back. I pick up on lots of tropical fruit along with pine. The booze is well hidden throughout. As it warms I pick up on some yeasty bread notes. T-The bitterness from all of the hops is upfront. Lots of bitter grapefruit and pine hit fast. The grapefruit bitterness remains strong in the back of the mouth. I also get orange rind, mango, and some pineapple in most sips. In between sips there is a tad bit of malt sweetness that remains in the mouth. As it warms a tad bit of booze is apparent, but it is not a distraction. M-Medium bodied and due to the great head retention it is very creamy and smooth. It has a nice crisp, dry finish. All of the hops leave a nice oily mouthfeel. D-A very good DIPA, but the 8.5% will catch up with you. This is one that if you can get fresh you should definitely pick up. Overall this is one of the best DIPAs out there. The $9.00 per bottle limits this a little as I can buy 2 Plinys for the same price. Definitely worth picking up one or two whenever it is released.