Working Title #2
Westbrook Brewing Co.

 

Thanks to Mbgreg for sending thias in NBS BIF #15.
Dated 03/01/22
Fluffy white head caps a slightly opaque golden liquid. Great retention. Scattered, clumpy lacing.
Nose begins tropical: pineapple, guava, kumquat. Then moves to a slightly soapy, floral boozy fruit punch note.
Flavor is herbal tropical, a tad creamy, and then goes a bit green and earthy. Pineapple, wet grass, and a mild grapefruit pith. Not quite coming together in a cohesive way. It's like the individual pieces of the puzzle are bright and colorful but the edges have been forced together.
Mouthfeel is spot on for style, mostly. Lighter side of medium, mild carbonation, with a clean yet slightly creamy finish.
Overall, this one did not quite gel for me. I'd like to try it again just to see if my palate was off.

 

 

 

tasty can of hoppy goodness here, courtesy of some wonderful beer mail from a friend, been too long since i had anything new from westbrook, once one of my favorites, access has dried up for me so this is a treat! the can says new england but its not real hazy, glowing orange with just a light cloudiness, more unfiltered than milky thick, i prefer that, and it has a high rising airy pure white head with great retention, a real nice looking glass of beer. simcoe, el dorado, and citra hops all pop in this, and they get quite a lot out of each varietal, the juicy almost candied melon property of the el dorado front and center for me, sweet orange peel behind that, some pine and weed from the simcoe, and a softer side of citra where things like lemongrass and pineapple can be appreciated, more of that as it warms, and more juicy too, orange and mango tropical vibes, never much bitterness, tons and tons of flavor, summery vibes but pretty sturdy too, not just a drinker, and even unique in a samey space. the one thing about this thats a little weird is a slight chemical zizzle before the swallow, not sure if its a too warm fermented stressed note, if its from this being subjected to some temperature swings in transit, or some slightly oversaturated hoppy element that manifests itself as a lightly burnt plastic thing, its subtle, and its really only there at temperature, so it doesnt ruin this or anything, barely even distracts from an otherwise downright impressive ipa. a joy to drink something new and exciting from westbrook, seems like they havent lost a step at all. a memorable beer, great modern expression of all of these hops, but especially the el dorado. well done!