Hocking Headwaters
Rockmill Brewery

 

On draught at the Columbus taproom, sampled from a tasting glass. Clear amber-colored body, with a thin white head due to the taproom pour. This is supposed to be an East Coast-style IPA, but my sample definitely tended WC. The server thought the kegs might have been swapped, so she checked and even drew a small sample of their WCIPA so I could compare them. (Above and beyond!) Lots of spruce on the nose and palate, like chewing on a Christmas tree. That ain't a bad thing, from where I'm sitting. Also lots of tropical juicy character without too much sweetness. Floral and resiny on the back end, with a crisp and dry finish and a little astringent bitterness. West Coast, East Coast, whatever - not too much to complain about here.

12 ounce can, stamp on the bottom of the can says best by 7/20/20. Thanks to my buddy Denis for this one! Served in a Rockmill Brewery chalice, the beer pours a cloudy dark gold color with about an inch and a half frothy off-white head. Head retention and lacing are both good. The brew smells like grapefruit, bready malt, pine and a bit of tropical fruit. Taste is similar to the aroma, but I think the tropical fruit comes out more compared to the aroma. There's also some orange in the finish, in general I think the citrus/tropical fruit is stronger compared to the other flavors. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's slick and smooth with a good amount of carbonation. I thought this was an enjoyable brew, certainly worth picking up.