Shades of Purple
Breakside Brewery - SE Taproom

a very innovative pale ale here done with lavender, clean and light but packed with flavor, a very breakside beer, and awesome for the spring weather that will hopefully be arriving here soon. blonde and clear and pretty, with spirited carbonation and an inch of wispy white head on the draft pour. the aroma has a cool interplay between the citrusy hops and the floral lavender, a tough ingredient to use and not have it take over beers, but they landed it, its obvious but out of the way, not overpowering at all, so fresh and vibrant, if i was a bee i would pollenate this thing. the flavor is great, a simple grain base with a touch of sweetness through it, a compatible honey note, and some body too, balancing the hops and lavender well, this stays low bitterness and approachable. lavender is fresh and sort of tea-like as it warms, a light red berry note, and canned pineapple, orange zest, and meyer lemon to the hops, familiar there and well restrained. good carbonation, refreshing without being too minimal, and a nice pint with the fresh oysters they sling at their new astoria location. really enjoyable beer, different and expertly refined, breakside continues to amaze me just about every time i have one of their beers...

Had on tap. Murky golden body with a white ring. Huge lavender explodes on the nose and taste. So. Much. Lavender. Smell has citrus, flowers, and honey malt supporting, taste has the same but with some orange, but the lavender is just too strong. Feels botanically charged, bright, light, and a bit flat. If you love lavender this beer is for you!