The Hemperor's New Clothes
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

 

While the American IPA style is trending more earthy, more grassy, more herbal; the barrel spontanae of Crooked Stave brewers will use anything at their disposal to nudge these flavors along as boldly as they can. And when you're in Colorado, hemp goes from the taboo to the brewer's pantry.

The Hemperor's New Clothes catches a dusty and dank waft of fresh grass clippings, muddled herbs, citrus, dry hay and an array of earthen botanicals- all resting just above a pale gold body and a wisping white head. Supple sweetness skirts the tongue with dry bread, nutty oak and a kiss of fructose.

As the middle palate takes hold, its sweetness is cast aside and the bready infrastructure remains to support the hops and hemp. White grapefruit, under-ripened orange, lime and crabapple slather onto the tongue with a fruity and sour interplay thanks to the underlying acidity from "wild" fermentation. Bitter and astringent late, its that tandem of textures and flavors that give the beer a peppery, woodsy, herbal and citrusy bite.

Light, crisp and creamy, the malty-dry ale trends sour but also peppery and earthy. All three textures fall in balance and challenge the palate with a mouthfeel that's just as complex as taste. Dry dankness follows in an aftertaste that's also soaked in burlap and straw.