Sound Check
Peace Tree Brewing Co.

 

Poured out a clear golden color with a small off-white head that left minimal lacing. It smelled citrusy and of caramel malt. Citrusy with a burnt toast maltiness. It was crisp and sharp.

 

 

 

 

 

Didn't fully understand ''dank'' as a beer description until now. Liquid weed and grassy hops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This beer was way too cool to pass up. An artsy label with keyboards, guitars, music notes, and called "sound check".

The description on the bottle says,

"Here at Peace Tree, we're passionate about beer. We're also passionate about local music, which is why a portion of the profits from every Soundcheck Session IPA goes towards supporting the growing music scene in central Iowa. Soundcheck stays true to our love for hop-forward IPAs, while maintaining a lighter body. It's a flavorful, yet easy-drinking brew best paired with live tunes. Turn it up."

That description, man. I love it. Onto the review.

A : Slightly hazy, mellow straw gold body. The head is respectable - yielding a 2 fingered, billowy crown leaving thick lacing behind as it recedes slowly to a bulbous ring.

S : Cantaloupe and barley malt right out front, a sweet yet balanced mixture on the nose. There's also an oaty cereal quality to it, it makes me want to dive in like a bowl of cereal.

T : Very hop forward but the hop is delicious, properly sharpened, and flavorful. It's not stabbing, it's not too piney - but it's about right, and tastes like a hop forward IPA should. Tropical rinds also surface - cantaloupe rind, honeydew, some other melons and fleshy persimmon. There's a FEEL of maltiness to it as well, it just doesn't come out in the taste as much as it does in the body (feeling). The finish is hoppy and sort of dusty.

F : Malty feeling in the body, but light with substance. Just enough creaminess to not be watery. It finishes semi-dry and dusty.

O : I'm giving this a 5 overall because of the mission/speech/statement on the side. That is just awesome. I'm a musician and know firsthand the dedication and appreciation that goes into independent music. Soundcheck is an alright tasting beer, but an even better idea.

 

this is my favorite session ipa i have had in a long time, and starts to get close to that standard set by founders all those summers ago now. this is so impossibly delicate, carbonated like champagne and about as light in body as you can get. i have to assume its all pale two row malt, and not very much of it. what stands out to me is the minimal final gravity, this is so dry, i think it fits what the style seeks to do exceptionally well, and is even lighter and drier than an all day, without being the least bit watery. love the hops on it too, very springtime, with a floral blooming element, hints of orange peel and grapefruit, but with only a dash of bitterness and a protracted finish that while delicate, is very distinct. overall its an awesome session beer, i could drink a near infinite quantity of this in the right setting, and it has its own signature taste and feel that make it one of the more standout examples of the style i have had in ages. huge fan of this, and of this brewery in general. the perfect hot and humid weather beer, i can think of none better for refreshment and quantity consumption. beautifully done.