Single Hop Series: Part 6 - Sorachi Ace
Bull & Bush Brewery

 

the latest in the single hop series over at bull and bush, and its really good. totally biased though, because sorachi ace might be my favorite hop. they have done a great job showcasing its unique oily almost buttery creamy lemon and lemongrass properties in both aroma and flavor. the hops are prominent and distinct, and its perfect for summer. i go back and forth on the malt base of this rich golden ale. on the one hand, i like it being a little fuller bodied, and i think its sweetness actually flatters the lemon notes in the hops, but on the other hand, i think its a little heavy for summer crushing and i think the delicate hops are a little overbalanced by the malt. in the end though, it works out pretty well, and the mild honey sweetness is actually a good thing. enough carbonation to make it quenching still, and a nice lingering sorachi ace flavor after the swallow. i wish more breweries would design beers to show off this hop, i think it has so much untapped potential. this is one of my favorite beers in the series so far from bull and bush, nicely done.