Hop Sack 2014 Utterback Third Leaf Sloughhouse
Ruhstaller - BSMT

 

 

 

 

 

Handsome amber color with an ample head in the Peroni lager glass. Some bits of stuff in the very bottom of the bottle-- looks more like hops than yeast. Pleasantly spritzy on the tongue.

This is a malty brew that is wonderfully drinkable. Tangy hop notes but just modestly bitter. Inviting aroma of flowery hops. Some grapey notes and a biscuity flavor. I would agree this has an English slant but the rich malt and bitter edge of leafy hops is something I hope they will explore more.

Ruhstaller is growing its own hops, in this case Cluster and Cascade. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Bottlecraft on India St. in San Diego.

The first wet hop ale of the year that I’ve seen bottled. Copper color, clear, fluffy head. In the aroma, a lot of caramel with some piney hops. More of a British-style pale ale that’s focused on malt flavors with hops to balance sweetness. I like this beer, it’s well balanced and fresh. However, my main criticism is that Ruhstaller claims to "explore the concept of terroir” by using local Sacramento-grown hops, but the beer’s malt masks the subtle hop flavors. It’s the same criticism I often have with Sierra Nevada and, in wine, excessive use of oak. So yes, a tasty brew, but I feel like they missed out an opportunity of letting that hop shine by producing a leaner structure.