Mini Separation Anxiety
Berryessa Brewing Co

been awhile since i have encountered a beer from these guys, and i liked this one a lot. a session ipa but one of the more soulful and flavorful ones that ive had in some time, its got a nice bitterness as well, punches above its weight on a number of levels, yummy. cool that its a smash beer, mosaic driven, delicate looking and light in body but robust to drink, exactly what i want from a style that so rarely delivers it! blonde to the point of looking almost watered down, incredibly light beer, short of perfect clarity but light enough to look radiant in the glass anyway, big airy white head on it too. the hops smell somewhat complex for mosaic alone, like there is some citrus up front for sure, but i get nothing catty, not a ton of pineapple, and more of a grassy herbal profile, lemon verbena, honeysuckle, yarrow, things like that, light key lime too as it warms, dry earthy cereal grain base, neutral and clean ferment, fresh and super clean smelling to me. the flavor is lovely and also quite dynamic for being so basic on the ingredient list. lemongrass and lime zest up front but not overly fruity, bitterness sets in early, grassy and almost tea-like as it warms up, hints of cut pineapple, coconut, and dried flowers. faint white wine grape character here too, some oils, some linger too from the hops, a light almost pils-esque grain complexion, teasing european malt, good minerality, more structure than most of these have but still so light and effortless to drink, awesome carbonation too really pushes it along. delicious and simple, tidy, and masterfully executed. i have come to think of session ipa as some kind of sacrifice, but this is proof that it doesnt have to be. i would choose this often if it were available locally!

Nearly clear amber brew with long-lasting pile of foam in the Duvel nonic. Wonderful aroma of green melon with a whiff of lime. Light and sudsy with melt-in-your-mouth carbonation. Flavors of cucumber, melon, and a bit of citrus. Modest bitter aftertaste is just rightto go with some slight malty sweetness.

This packs a lot of flavor in a very light-weight beer. The ABV clocks in at the Utah supermarket beer level, so it's quite an achievement. Highly aromatic and a pleasure to sip, or gulp. From the 16 oz can purchased in the Bay Area. No date.

 

 

 

 

 

Growlette from Winooski Beverage. This was poured into a becher pint glass. The appearance was a mostly transparent golden yellow color with a thin white foamy head that dissipated immediately. Foamy rings of lace wove around the glass. The aroma starts off with some grapefruit pulpy sweetness, lingering sweet melon, some pineapple and a sly resin bitterness balancing in nicely. The flavor takes the previously mentioned aromas sweetly and wraps them into the bitterness component with a semi-dry bittersweet aftertaste and finish. On the palate, this was definitely light on the body to make for a great session. Carbonation feels good. Overall, this was a nice session APA that I could come back to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16oz nonic pint.

A: Served a clear light golden with a soft, dense, head that faded to a fuzzy collar that lasted the whole beer through. Sheets of lace were left down the glass.
S: The nose is full on citrus/tropical with notes of grapefruit, tangerine and floral tropical notes. Juicy grapefruit is most dominating.
T: Follows the nose with flavors of grapefruit and mild tangerine. Finish is mildly doughy, with a nice lingering bitterness and a floral perfumey quality.
M: Medium light body, clean and smooth mouthfeel, very soft carbonation.
O: A great hoppy session beer. Clean and easy great taste. Delicious.