Down To The Well NJ IPA
Carton Brewing Company

Decidedly lime/berry notes here, with the usual Atlantic Highlands water bitterness amping up the quick drying bite at the end of the swallow. No one flavor really lingers afterward; not a knock, just stating what happens for me. I wish it were a little creamier. Truth is I really do like this beer a lot, and wishing it to be something it’s not isn’t fair. I’m just saying while it’s certainly very tasty and (c’mon, it’s Carton) definitely well made and worth your time, it’s really more of a B+ IPA in a world overflowing with many As.

Head crests over two fingers, off white, surface becomes filled with divots and crevices, thin but long lacing. The liquid a bright rust yellow in spite of the translucent haze. Quite crisp and vigorous nose of tar, grapefruit pith, marijuana, pine cone, lean like a long distance runner, mutter of peach, passion fruit, pineapple scents. Fairly light-bodied with cleansing carbonation, feels like it lifts off the palate as soon as it touches down. It’s as dank as it can get given its extremely dry character. Dry enough that even the grapefruit struggles to shine. Asphalt, tar, even coal. Finding it difficult to distinguish fruit flavors. Leaves a tacky residue behind. Well made but there’s nowhere to relax with it. (Canned 9/16/20)