Into The Sunset
Mike Hess Brewing - Miramar

 

 

A: crystal clear; deep gold in color; no apparent carbonation; no lacing;

S: blood orange;

T; with carbonation, this might be quite different; unfortunately, the beer was completely flat, which left somewhat harsh citrus that softens and changes to blood orange toward the end; mild to moderate bitterness on the finish;

M: medium bodied; no carbonation; moderately dry finish;

O: no date, but can was intact, so the issue with the carbonation must have occurred at the brewery;

 

 

 

 

quite a lot to like about this one, an unexpected treat from the random can machine at handlebar in boise. its yet another ipa with blood orange, it seems like more breweries than not make one of these now, not sure why this trend became so huge, but here we are. i like this better than a whole lot of its peers because the blood orange is really natural to me, doesnt taste like candy and its not forced, and even though it comes at the expense of the hops a little bit, its got a real summery vibe without it seeming cheap, overly feminine, or like its trying too hard to not taste like beer. i also like it being kind of strong, so few of them are, and even though i think it could take a little more hop bitterness, there is definitely some orange peel bitterness, and there is nice balance here because of it. the orange is juicy and fresh, the selected hops are nicely compatible, and the beer is carbonated like a soda, big bubbles, lots of life, good retention, and it warms up pretty well. not quite a fruit beer for ipa heads, as this one is still largely driven by the orange, but the use of fruit is excellent and the beer has a lot of character. not quite a leader in the field, but definitely ahead of the curve and one of the better beers i have had from mike hess to date.