Alt Ball And Chain
Four Peaks Brewing Company - 8th Street Pub

Sampled on tap day of release
This beer sits a deep amber-red color in my pint glass. It shows a brilliantly clear hue around the edges and is topped by a frothy, almost creamy, tan colored head that is pretty good for a beer from the tap. The aroma is soft and fruity; notes of berry and raisin and a sort of green tea like note that is rounded out by some spicy-herbal hop notes.

The taste has a nice, yet somewhat subtle, herbal hop character front, which moves to a solid, structured bitterness in the finish. A characteristic fruit note is here in the flavor as well; notes of berries and a sort of black currant type thing. The herbal, slightly grassy and bitter part of the hop seems to be dominant here. This has lots of hopping, like a good Alt should, but does not have the fresh, vibrant, berry fruit note that my favorite Alts from Düsseldorf have. A tasty example though, and even one which I am happy to have a pint or two of.