Frenz: Sierra Nevada
Bale Breaker Brewing Company

nice continuation of what has become a great series, lots of cool other breweries in the mix, this one with sierra nevada. the restaurant where i had it called it a hazy farmstead ipa on the menu, which is definitely incorrect, as its neither of those things, but it is really tasty, with a great hop profile, a malt build light enough for summer pounding, and a clean finish that makes it close to refreshing for being as hoppy as it is, a nice release and cool collaboration. darn near all the way clear and no darker than golden in the glass, with more than an inch of lasting white head and some web lacing left behind in its wake as it drinks. nose of cut melon and kiwi fruit, green grape, summery white wine, grassy herbal hoppiness too, a little juicy orange and peach, and just a light crackery note from the malt, super pale. definitely southern hemisphere hops in the flavor of this, lower bitterness for being kind of west coast too, key lime and lemongrass, white currant, fresh grass, really flavorful, slightly oily feeling but still delicate for its strength, and fast finishing with nice back end dryness and a rather clean ferment. a slight ester is all, more of a thiol thing than a yeast thing, although i guess they are interrelated, faint green pear and a little sativa. beautifully fresh. hard to make unique ipa these days where everyone is using the same ingredients and processes for the most part, but this one stands out. two champions of hops coming together well for this one!

On-tap in Meridian and served in a tumbler. Clear gold with minimal head. Clean, dank hoppy aromas lead the nose, with a malty backbone. Clean, dank, floral, citrus peel, hints of diesel, clean dryish finish.

Pours a clear golden-amber with plenty of foam in the goblet. Sudsy and prickly on the tongue. Sweet and fruity, as well as tangy. Lovely papaya-pineapple aroma. Flavors of orange, lemon peel, tangerine, and green grapes. Seems quite hot with alcohol, though not stronger than other sturdy IPAs. Quite lavish with the hops, which turn bitter after a couple of sips. From the 16 oz can purchased at Whidbey Beer Works. Some luscious flavors but a harsh mistress. Dated JUN 06 23.