Lake Placid India Pale Ale
12oz brown glass pry-top bottle with no recognizable freshness date. Obtained from a recent trip to Plattsburgh. Appearance: Pours a thick-looking orange-amber with a tiny amount of white bubbly head. Not foam, but bubbles. Nose: Dry and herbal smelling, there's a brightness too, an almost minty coolness to it. Palate: Medium bodied and crisp, yet somehow also round feeling. There is a fine edge at the finish cutting off the roundness of the midpalate. Flavors are of braised oranges spiced and herbed (Provencal), medium toasted malt, and a cooling, almost menthol feel from the hops, giving the beer a really refreshing feel despite the medium-malty profile. Notes: Incredibly well balanced IPA, while maintaining a bitter profile. The hops rule this beer with a subtle hand, gently coaxing it into the more "bitter" side of things without being unruly themselves. The menthol/mint character is unique and appreciated, making the beer really refreshing both in the bottle and in the glass. Sessionable and unique. Well done.