Castles In The Sky
Surly Brewing Co.

 

 

Appearance: Pours a mostly clear (~35% opaque), medium to deep orange color with a soft white head. SRM of 7. (3.75)

Aroma: Moderate aromas of tangerine, orange citrus peel, with some tropical melon notes underneath. (4.00)

Flavor: The flavor follows with moderate flavors of tangerine upfront. This turns into an orange spice astringency that bites on the palate. Some tropical melon and resinous berry underneath. Finish leans tart and citrusy. (4.00)

Feel: Medium-bodied. Good carbonation. A biting citrus astringency cleans the palate like soap for a dry finish. (4.00)

Compared to Surly Multiverse 2/27/22: Pours a darker, clearer color. Milder head. Milder aromas. More tangerine and Valencia orange peel. Less lemon/lime/orange citrus and pine. Less juicy. More resinous.

Compared to Surly Hyper Modern 3/7/22: Pours a similar color, larger head. Stronger aromas. More orange citrus and pineapple.

Compared to Surly Axe Man 3/29/22: Pours a slightly lighter and hazier color. Lighter aromas. More orange, pineapple, peach, and citrus. Less resinous melon, berry, and papaya. Lighter and cleaner.

Overall: This beer is interesting in that it has two different things going for it. It has a resinous tangerine, orange peel, tropical melon/berry note. But at the same time it has a NEIPA of astringent orange peel and a juicy hop bite. It's like tangerine and tropical IPA meets juicy Valencia orange citrus haze. The citrus cleans the palate. Raised an eyebrow at first, but it's starting to grow on me. (Final Rating: 3.85+)