Full Nelson
Melvin Brewing

Review: 2097
Name: Full Nelson
Brewery: Melvin Brewing
Location: Alpine, WY
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6%
Date: May 2024
To finish the night with an IPA, I opted for Full Nelson. I would like to know if this beer has Nelson Hops; I hope so. Using a tulip glass, I served the beer at a refreshing 46 degrees. A hard pour created a frothy, airy two-fingered head with above-average retention. The slow dissipation left delicate lacing on the glass. As I examined the color, I saw that it had an opacity of SRM 8, an amber shade with orange hues. The beer is cloudy with a little bit of yeast floaties. Those lovely hop aromas tantalize my nose with gooseberries, white wine, limestone, grass, and light herbal notes. Yes, this is a Nelson Hop beer. The malt profile is sweet, with lightly toasted bread and a touch of biscuit. Other aromas are earthy with a light phenolic note (like band-aids)—mouthwatering.
The tasting experience of the Full Nelson was a true journey of flavors. The initial burst of hops, melons, gooseberries, grassy, floral blossoms, white wine, and light bay leaves was a delightful surprise. The malt profile, with its biscuits, crackers, and toasted cereal grains, added a comforting touch. The beer's other flavors were intriguing, including earthiness and a slight medicinal note. The transition from the initial band-aid note to a pharmaceutical flavor was a unique twist, adding to the beer's complexity and intrigue.
The mouthfeel is astringent and tannic, and it finishes dry. The body is medium-light, and the carbonation is medium.
The Full Nelson beer, with its bright, vibrant, and flavorful Nelson hops, certainly left a lasting impression. However, the malt profile was a bit of a letdown, with the beer's backbone feeling thin and lacking the desired heft. Despite this, the overall flavors were enjoyable, and I would not hesitate to savor this beer again. It was a fitting end to the night, offering a unique and memorable tasting experience.