Twist Of F8
Figure 8 Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growler poured into a pint glass

A - Dark, golden color. Clean and slightly reflective. Small, white head that dissipated quickly

S - Light, sweet watermelon. Slight pine presence with hints of clove.

T- At first, there is sweet watermelon. In the middle, there is a slight hoppy, pine presence that seems a bit off. The watermelon comes back near the end but quickly fades into a bitter pine finish that lingers on.

MF - Medium carbonated with a nice smooth body. Lightly astringent in the finish

O - Overall, a solid attempt at a watermelon wheat beer. The hop presence in this throws it off in my opinion. It takes away from the sweet watermelon flavor you get initially.

 

I had this beer on tap initially. I liked it so much, I brought home a growler.

The beer was a little strange in appearance. The hazy golden color of a wheat beer was demonstrated, but the color was mysteriously darker toward the bottom. The aroma was most apparent when the head was still bubbling. Notes of a wheat beer were accompanied by watermelon. The watermelon was most apparent early in the initial taste. A sour watermelon flavor, like that of a Jolly Rancher, made an early impression. The sour flavor of the watermelon became sweeter as it faded into the wheat beer notes. In the aftertaste, the beer became weeker than expected. Though the sour flavors continued, they were faint.

The beer is far from overwhelming, but it could be refreshing on a hot day. It might be the best watermelon beer I have had.

 

Jolly Rancher Watermelon. That's what I detect in the smell of this unique brew from Figure 8 Brewing in Valparaiso, IN.

Purchased a growler from Pat's Liquors in Portage, IN and stored either on ice or in my man room fridge for a week since.

Poured first glass, then second, then third into a Samuel Smith pint glass.. a golden brew with a pinkish hue, from the watermelon I guess.

Again, the smell is the best part of this brew. Wonderful!!!

A night after having Bell's Oberon, a highly touted wheat beer, this one just blows Belll's away in taste. Very refreshing. Accompanies a Subway Buffalo Ranch sandwich well, or some microwave popcorn.

Carbonation is right on. Overall, this is one great brew from Figure 8, one of my favorites from the upstart NW Indiana microbrewery.

On Tap at Figure 8 Brewing, Valparaiso.

Aroma:A hint of watermelon. A little fried egg/sulphur in the aroma.

Appearance:Crystal Clear, pale yellow.

Taste:This is a fairly weak beer. The hops come through nicely, and there is a little watermelon in here.

Mouthfeel:Very light body, good carbonation.

Drinkability:I'm not sure I like this one all that much, it's a little weak on flavor. I may have been hoping for more watermelon.

Had on tap...

Poured a hazy golden yellow color. Two finger white head shows good head retention. Webbing lacing on the sides of the glass.

S- Tons of pale wheat malts in this with a touch of watermelon from the middle to ending of the aroma. Light hops in the ending kind of just kiss the beer aroma.

T- Lots of wheat taste in the front of this beer. I mean a lot! The watermelon comes into play toward the middle of the beer like the aroma and just kicks it into overdrive toward the end of the beer. The flavor is not artifical I think and does a good job of covering the wheat flavor.

M- Light to medium mouthfeel. Carbonation is good for the style. Wheat flavors dominate the palate with a sweet watermelon aftertaste goes long. Alcohol is non drying to the palate. Flavors are clean and balanced for the most part.

D- This is a damn good summer beer in my opinion. This brewery has really made me think about Indiana and how well we are on the way to being a brewing state. The lower ABV on this beer makes it a good summer session beer. I would go even as far to say this beer rivials Hell or High Watermelon!