Afterglow
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

This was another beer that I picked up at ShopRite Liquors in Little Falls not too long ago. Liked the label and the collaboration with Fremont as this was quite a dark and murky IPA in the end!

That started with the pour, as this looked like fresh-brewed tea in hue but was a bit murkier in appearance. A bit of fine sediment ended up at the bottom and swirled up during every sip. A relatively thin head topped this off as it settled quietly as the lacing was wavy and somewhat sparse. Lots of exotic hops, grain, earthy citrus, and grape were in the nose as the taste was quite turbid, tropical, and dank. Plenty full and slick, the carbonation was light as the back was sticky enough.

Neither east nor west coast in style, this felt a bit formal in undertone and a tad sticky, as they tied all of the flavors together. Dated 2/28 on the bottom of the can, this held up well although it would be interesting to have their fresh. This was certainly not a typical American IPA but it was a welcome change that featured hops rarely seen in beers of this sort. Drink it if you can’t get down to the tropics!

Standout production from a dream-team collab with Fremont Brewing. No, the co founder of Fremont doesn’t hate poor people.

Delicious nimble clean grain work here, kiss of oat and wheat? Otherwise kinda british or crystally or pilsy. Soft and wet but clean and a little bready.

Carries gorgeous hop play. Very tropical, very exotically herbal without getting weird. Stewed strawberry lime, allium, light mango, more citrus, rosemary, hibiscus, vanilla, junipery stuff… awesome. Super long wet finish, pleasant bitterness.


Damn!! Yum!