Dark Heron (2018)
Fremont Brewing Company

 

 

Clear, amber body; one-finger thick head, lasting, velvety. Spicy, peppery aroma. Finely blended light malt base with a nice presence of hop bitterness and spicy tang. Medium-heavy body; tickles the palate with mild sharpness; velvety, too; mostly dry finish.

This is one of the finest, exquisitely balanced American IPAs I've encountered of late. The hop bitterness is strong yet well-balanced with the grain base. There is subtle complexity to allow for savoring of its components. Understated in some ways, but very approachable and should please most IPA lovers.

This is the 2018 edition of the annual Dark Heron brewed for the local ComicCon. This version is brewed with "2-Row Pale, C-15, and Honey malts with Rolled Oats, and Citra, Centennial, Strata, El Dorado, and Comet hops." Handsome clear amber brew with ample, long-lasting white foam in the Blanche de Chambly tall goblet.

Tangy and mouthfilling with plenty of malt. It almost tastes like a DIPA, being so substantial with sweetish grain, but the ABV is lower. Lush hoppy flavors, ranging from honeydew melon to a grilled grapefruit finish. There's a dark woody aftertaste. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Central Market - Shoreline.