Living Proof: Wild IPA
Country Boy Brewing

Given that all beers are somewhat alive, its no surprise to see the Living Proof series celebrating what's great about living ale, but there's no doubt that some have much more personality than others, and the Wild IPA of the series has plenty of gusto!

Beyond its hazy burnt orange and goldenrod hues, the creamy lather that builds on the surface explodes with a citrusy and earthen perfume. Saddle leather and dried lime draw in the senses as its taste is supple and dryly malted. Tame and steely caramels offer a mild bready sweet taste with hints of honey and bread dough.

But the malt contributions are short lived as the sweetness is dissected early and the hops and yeast character come charging in. White grapefruit, under-ripened orange, dried apricot and pineapple offer a fruity-dry middle palate while a fast followup of damp hay, muddled grasses, pepper and peat frame a more earthy closing flavor with rich weathered woods, cork must, wet burlap and an overall cellar-like funk that emits in the retro-olfactory senses.

Fantastically dry and refreshing, the bitter taste of citrus peels, grass and pine all resonate on the finish as the medium-light bodied ale carries a plethora of character with such effortless in its drinkability. With an afterglow of goat and parmesan, its lingering pungency is uncomfortably irresistible.