Scratch Beer 29 - 2010 (NBPA)
Thanks to BeerTruth for this one. Served in a pint glass and shared with grub. A - A hazed apricot body is topped by a giant soapy head of foam that eventually settles to a thick cap, leaving behind sheets of lace. Looks like one would expect for the style. S - This is less IPA with Belgian yeast, and more hopped-up Belgian Pale Ale. Lots of fruity esters, sweet toasted grains, wheat, Belgian yeast, and a touch of alcohol peeking through, then generously topped by zesty noble hops that add lemon and pepper notes. T - Taste is quite similar, with fruity esters, banana, and light tropical notes that I think come from the short barrel treatment. Sweet flavors are balanced by some earthiness, oak, and peppery notes. The malt is light malted wheat and mostly unobtrusive. Alcohol is better hidden. There's some solid residual bitterness. M - Body is medium, a bit grittier than a like (barrel tannins?), and the carbonation is not as lively as the pour would lead one to believe. The finish is surprisingly hefty and chewy, with a bit of dryness to it. D - I've had this twice, and it's pretty enjoyable but not what I was expecting when I heard Tregs was making a Belgian IPA. I've never heard of Hersbrucker hops, but apparently it's similar to Hallertau, so I'm not surprised by the pepper and lemon zest. The oak-aging was also a bit of surprise - I picked up some similar flavors to Two Brothers Heavier Handed, but I don't think I would have made the connection if I hadn't skimmed other reviews. All in all, it's a pretty successful experiment, which is what the Scratch beers are all about!