McBane's Tall Blonde And Naked
Naked Dove Brewing Company

 

 

This brew was served from the tap at Tap and Mallet in Rochester, NY. It arrived in a UFO hefe glass, showing a light toasted grain coloring. It held a two finger head of creamy white bubbles that literally retained for the entire tasting, not losing a millimeter. As the liquid disappeared, sticky but soft patterned lacing was left all around the glass. The carbonation was huge, and no sediment or haze was noted. The aroma was wrought with grassy hops, rock salt, and gritty wheatiness, all along a more serious backbone of barley and toasted rye. With warmth came seaweed, soapy hops, the spice of Thanksgiving stuffing, and fresh pumpkin rind. Our first impression was that the flavoring was very light, but fresh and solid. As we sipped, the mouth was met with clean citric and grassy hops, wet wheat, and that same serious grain profile from the nose, with hearty dried barley and rye inclusions. The middle peaked with fresh lemon zest, more wheat, bittering soapy hops along a grassy background, and lactic creaminess to pull us to the finish. The end was softer of toasted pale grain, mineral water, salt, and crisp grassiness. The aftertaste breathed of that continuous grain profile, clean citrus, sweet apple and pear, and a final soapy hop bite. The body was medium, and the carbonation was lighter than expected following the appearance. Astringent dryness of grass and metals was left streaked down the tongue and hard palate. With each sip came great creaminess, frothiness, and slurp. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank very easily.

Overall, what we enjoyed most about this brew was the great crisp flavoring, and the amazing look. The beer arrived glowing, and held a head like nothing we’ve ever seen, by far. The flavoring stayed nice and even throughout, and didn’t cheapen up towards the finish. This is a thoughtful, creamy, and refreshing treat from a great local brewery, and a great local pub.