Mixtape Ale Vol. 5 - The Winking Lizard Blend
Stone Brewing

 

Enjoyed from a growler via Jungle Jim's in a snifter glass. This nice Belgian IPA pours a nice clear orange with a moderate head of foam that dissipates to a light layer and moderate ring of foam with spotty lacing. Nose of Belgian candy sugar, moderate amounts of citrus fruits---mandarin oranges, light grapefruit, and pineapple, as well as a dash of very floral and funky yeast mixed with some bittering hops. Flavors follow the nose with mild candy sugars, tart stone fruits, and funky yeast flavors to the rear meld with a wine barrel note adding to a sizable Flemish quality . Moderately dry finish, with a subtle sweetness that fades to a tart aftertaste. Good for the style, muddled between a hash of good brews that are nice on their own, but not outstanding for the style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On-tap at Back Country Pizza in Boulder, CO. Served in a small snifter.

A: The beer has a pale amber hue and a dense eggshell cap. Head retention is just OK and no lace is left behind.

S: This beer's nose is its strong suit. I picked up heavy fruit aromas of passion fruit and pear, plus a light whiff of citrus. A touch of vanilla rounds things out.

T: The promise of the nose falls short in the flavor. The beer starts out with many of the aromas from the nose. Bitterness is light and bolstered by a mild sourness. And then the beer just sort of stops. The taste abruptly fades after the initial burst and leaves almost no lingering flavors. Very odd.

M: A light body makes for easy drinkability. There's not quite enough carbonation at work.

O: I'm really torn on this one. The aromas are worth the price of admission. However, the flavor really disappointed me. It came and went way too fast for my tastes. I kept wanting more to happen.