The Topsail
Cape May Brewing Company

The Topsail pours almost clear, honey-gold to amber in a Pretentious Beer Glass Company Cider Tulip glass. A three-inch, fluffy white head develops into a pillow after some length. Patchy lace develops on the glass while clouds of tiny carbonation race upward.

The aroma opens with funky, earthy fermented apples. Tart currants reach out from the glass, while up close, one perceives pepper and cumin. Pineapple is drawn out with warmth.

While this beer is quite sour, it is less puckering than others, perhaps due to a light bitterness. Early on, one discerns a variety of spices similar to a curry. Surprisingly, this beer is more savory than fruity. Flavor notes include applesauce, mango and pineapple. A dry, lingering finish is filled with Southeast Asian spices while the acidity is just right. The more it warms, the more oak it reveals.

A medium body with a bit of itchy, wool texture. Alcohol is slight, especially given its strength. This beer is quite dry, falling short of chalkiness.

The Topsail is a beer with which one can settle back and enjoy. It would definitely cut the heat of a late summer evening, but I found it to be exceptional after clearing 18 inches of snow on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon.

This beer will generate conversation of itself as well as issues of the day. I offer a big thanks to Jason for snagging this bottle. Next chance we have, we must open and enjoy a bottle together.

 

SAVOR D.C. 2017