Fresh Hops Of Bel-Air
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

Laced with many of the "granddaddy" hops of craft beer's yesteryear, they are given fresh life in a boisterously malted ale with floral fragrances and gripping bitter resins to prove that these hops belong on the stage with newer and more exotic varieties.

Fresh Hops of Bel-Air is deep in amber, taking on the hue of winter's honey and crimson. A creamy froth rises to build a tall column of sea foam. Above it all wafts the strong perfume of vibrantly ripe orange, red grapefruit- all tied together with the essence of pine and fresh-cut grass. Supporting malts play out sweetly on the palate with over-cooked caramel, light toffee and peanut brittle.

Balanced through the middle, its bittersweet tendencies are equal parts malt sweetness and thriving hop bitterness. Orange pits against pine while grapefruit does the same opposite grass clippings- all converging on a taste that's of citrus leaf and herb. Wrapped in its malty cocoon, the ale treks onward with a candied and caramel-dipped whimsy on the tongue.

Medium-bodied and finishing malty-dry, its the hops that lay down their resinous power and tighten its bitter grip while drying the beer to even-keel perfection. Trailing pine sap, grass, and stem outlasts a return of floral hops for a beer that's likely peperoni pizza's best friend.

Aroma is kind of muddled citrus, with caramel malt sweetness, a touch of earthiness, and resin.

Flavor is sour tangerine, with an earthy, herbal character carrying into the moderately bitter finish. Becomes floral in the aftertaste.