Merry & Brite
Cape May Brewing Company

The pours that emptied two twelve ounce cans entirely into a clear glass liter mug produced a generous head that's tight-knit and modestly tinted biege. Richly and brightly copper-amber is its color, but through it, the shape of fingers can easily be recognized. An moderately hoppy aroma wafts, with a secondary maltiness. Yes, it is more of a West Coast than an East Coast IPA, if haziness is the only criterion. But this is maltier than what's standard for the West Coast style. Other than that, it is hoppier than it is malty, the hops are clean and sort of piney and there's no extra muddling starches to be had to make this close to "fruity". What it is, much closer to a traditional IPA than either American coastal styles. There's enough hop bite to offend a lover of lagers and hazies. But, there's enough malt to offend pure West Coast style devotees. Nothing satisfies all of the beer drinkers all of the time. The stratified glass lacing is an unexpected plus, considering the mouthfeel is not much above average. The ABV is nicely integrated into the overall drinking experience. Highly recommended to those that like the traditional IPA style; hoppy, yet with a solid malt backbone, to provide a bite, a little complex sweetness and a good earthy overall flavor.

 

 

**
12/30/24

can to snifter. can from jdq2.

look: deep amber color, opaque, healthy and creamy eggshell head. excellent retention.

aroma: grass, cranberry, pine,

taste: cracker, pine resin, caramel. just enough sweetness to ward off the west coast dankness.

feel: thinnish, light to medium body (4/10), easy drinking. slight tackiness builds throughout.


I enjoyed this a bit more than I thought I would. good for the holiday rotation.

**

 

 

Beautiful colored beer; its a mix of amber and brown, very clear, light red hints depending on light, head is dirty white; clumps up real nice as it settles into a substantial cap, above average lacing.

Nose is a perfect medley of all things classic IPA; there is caramel malt with a light sweet aspect, little bit of toasted character, citrus skin, pine and sap with some nice floral undertones; its so aromatic, its like a potpourri…intoxicating beer to smell.

The taste doesn’t let up just so pleasantly malty with all the american hop character you could ask for; the malt dances on the tongue first rich but not sweet or syrupy; lightly toasted, then the hops come; caramelize citrus that finishes nice and piney; awesome aftertaste of floral character.

The body is medium; it dry and clean; hops lend some stickiness and the bitterness is moderate; its quite tame actually but does hit quite nicely; really zero hint of the 7.5% which makes this quite a dangerous beer.