Northern Hemisphere Harvest Wet Hop Ale
This beer was the last one on the shelf (of its kind) and was marked down to $3.19. I was charged $4.19, which sucks, but I'm still sold. I had a great experience with the Estate homegrown organic and knew that this would be a similar delight. Appearance: Copper orange with a heavy head formation poured into my tulip. The head did die down some after approximately 10 minutes, but had thick lacing all they way down and kept a constant centimeter thick white foam head. The beer is unfiltered but provides plenty of carbonation. Smell: Hoppy and sweet. I am definitely reminded of the organic Estate IPA, but this one has slightly more of a bitter bite. Typical American IPA build, citrus/pine hops and a close relationship between bitter and sweet. I enjoy American IPAs tremendously because the smell is never too overpowering and the beers tend to be more balanced. Taste: Very strong bitterness at first with an aftertaste I thought I wouldn't enjoy. However, a few more sips and my mouth is warmed up. I think this beer is absolutely terrific, it has great balance as expected and is definitely quite drinkable. Those sharing the beer agree that it's a good bitter, one that accentuates the sweetness from the barley. I would have preferred this during late summer, it should be enjoyed at a colder temperature. Mouthfeel: At first there was an undesirable bitterness, but given a few more sips it lessened and made for a greatly perfected recipe. I enjoy what American IPAs offer in their ability to push IBUs though the roof, but moderation is key in making something unanimously enjoyed. The beer keeps drawing you back for more because the sensation between the creamy carbonation, bitter bite, and malty sweetness is ever pleasing. Drinkability: Highly drinkable. I would definitely pay the $3 for this 6.7%abv pint. I would pay that much in a bar for a pint of blue moon or Coors and have no more hair on my chest to show for it. Unfortunately this is a limited release brew, but next summer I will try the Wet Hop (very excited) and Southern Hemisphere (to compare to this!).