Simultaneous Release
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

 

 

Resin, pine, tangerine, and grapefruit leap from the glass as the beer is poured from the can. Smells fairly dank, but citrus is well represented. Flavor is a bit more one-sided initially, with resin and dank cannabis dominating. Underpinnings of lime are subtle, but they open up a bit as it warms. The finish is fairly bitter, earthy, and minerally. A wheat backbone pales beneath the hops. More bitter than I prefer, and that minerally aftertaste is slightly offputting, but nice flavoring hop notes, for the most part.

With the collaborative efforts of both Oskar Blues and Freemont brewers coming to fruition, an explorative IPA is realized- with the malt backbone of wheat and the spicy, tangy and peppery hops joining forces, a unique flavor spread emerges.

Its tawny copper color is translucent with haze, capped with a lacy froth that is strong in its persistence. The nose and early palate is taken back by the surprisingly familiar taste of lemon-lime sodas. A slightly sugary malt influence props up the citrus character of lemon-drop and bitter lime to near perfection.

Over the course of the middle palate, the association with soda weakens and the sweetness fades. This opens up the hops to expose tangy and peppery flavors of gooseberry, juniper, lemon, lime and spruce- delivering a gin-like character at times.

But to finish, the ale turns decidedly bitter an favors a drier, lighter palate- one favoring a zesty refreshment to accent its spicy and piney finish. Only those lemon-lime and perfumy spruce notes resonate in aftertaste.