Fields of Lightning
Smog City Brewing Co.

I have had some really nice beers from Smog City. This isn’t one of them….can dated February 19, 2026 poured into a tall Pilsner glass on March 15, 2026. Pours the color of yellow grapefruit juice opaque, but no suspended solids. Steady stream of bubbles rising from the bottom. Two fingers of white relatively tight foam of good duration. Decent amount of lacing. overall a good looking beer. Not much smell, moderate to heavy body taste is a complex combination of berries, citrus, and maybe some stone fruit no single flavor really jumps out, and certainly not the watermelon claimed on the can description. The claimed Juicy Fruit is present mainly in my imagination. overall, the highlight is the appearance, but the taste and smell are rather unremarkable.

 

 

Overall it's a decent beer. Smell is a bit one-note on the sourness. The taste is very hoppy--but hoppy without much a purpose--and teh finish is just sour and a bit boozy in the back. Generally a good mix of tastes but not in a terribly remarkable way. With all of the Californian IPAs out there, I'd go for something else, but overall there's not a lot to overly criticize beyond it being unmemorable.

Clear golden amber brew with adequate foam in the Duvel tulip. Quite spritzy on the tongue with a malty body. Big aroma of berries, pine, and citrus. A bit sharp but not overly acidic. Tastes of lemon peel and grapefruit juice. Strong astringent finish and quite bitter in the aftertaste.

Hops are listed as Simcoe, Columbus, and Hallertau Blanc. Overall this is a big and flavorful hoppy brew that will challenge your assumptions about drinkability. That's not a copliment. From the 16 oz can purchased at Bine & Vine. Dated 11/23/20 on the bottom.