People Power High Tea
3 Floyds Brewing Co.

 

 

This beer tastes like a hard seltzer poured into a unwashed tea cup that held this morning’s Twining’s English breakfast tea. This is a royal disappointment by any standard. Looks like Bud Light only fizzier. Is this a joke? I guess the social justice warrior nonsense on the can was a warning. Bullocks!

 

 

 

 

This is a sparkling ale brewed with darjeeling black tea. For those that do not know, a sparkling ale is an Australian style that is lighter in color and body than the English pale ale from which its derived. It was also bottle conditioned with higher carbonation that usual likely giving rise to the "sparkling" moniker. With that in mind ...

This beer pours a very cloudy, semi-opaque golden color. Pillowy two finger white head appears and then steadily dissipates leaving a thin layer of sudsy foam on top of the beer. Per BJCP style guidelines this should be clear, but it really isn't and never clears up even as it sits.

Aroma is quite balanced with gentled notes of slightly sweet malts, fruity almost citrusy hops and a light gentle waft of black tea. Quite in line for the style, albeit with the addition of the black tea notes.

Taste follows the nose with a light sweet malt base - very balanced, allowing the hops to take the primary position. Hops notes have a light citrusy tinge to them with a certain earthy woodiness. Light black tea notes come through - they are very balanced and tend to compliment the overall flavors of the beer rather than taking a prominent role. Even though the tea would something not contemplated by the style they've done a superb job integrating it in keeping with the overall character of the style - balanced and complimentary.

Feel is medium bodied, but crisp with vibrant, lively carbonation.

Overall this is an admirable take on the sparkling ale style. As to my personal thoughts - I really enjoyed it - the black tea complimented the style and its an enjoyable beer to drink. Would definitely pick this one up again in the future.

Modeled after British brewing, working man's tradition and with a portion of the proceeds going to the ACLU, 3 Floyds brewers roll up their sleeves to create a tea-infused brew that's perfect after a hard day's work.

Pale gold and casting a fine haze against the glass, the sparkling "People Power" builds a loose swath of sea foam while allowing the scent of toasted caramel, honey, grassy herbs, citrus and tea to drift across the nose. As its light and lofty sweetness skirts the tongue, it does so with those light honey and caramel creating a granola effect in early taste.

As the ale washes the thirst from the middle palate, it does so via a drying malt flavor and a growing sense of hops. A moderately fruity taste of grapefruit and orange mingle with the unmistakable of fresh sun tea in a nuanced prune and tobacco character. As a spicy grassiness evolves, so does the taste of sassafras, verbena, currant and mint in a marginally bitter late taste.

Crisp, clean and quite refreshing, the "Sparkling Ale" is somewhat of an Australian adaptation of the British Pub Ale, finishing nuanced, balance and pleasantly complex. Malty-dry and with a snappy bitterness, the ale echoes with stronger tea and citrus character into a medium length aftertaste.

 

sweet tasting ale with ice tea flavors - very enjoyable

A great big 'no' on this one. I dont know what else to say... disappointing.