Tropical Fruit Golden Strong
Hi-Wire Brewing

In what should be a playful fruity overlay onto a Barleywine base taste, Hi-Wire devises a Golden Ale that's not content to be relegated to any nonchalant, four percent status.

Imperial in stature but pouring an innocent looking deep straw color, a rise of froth introduces strong tropical aromas before collapsing back into the glass. A strong honey scent accompanies the fruit before delivering a honey-dipped, cereal and strong fresh baked bread flavor on the early palate.

Simply and aptly named Tropical Fruit Golden Ale, the majority of fruit flavors emerge on the middle palate as the passionfruit, mango and papaya additions accompany the natural flavors of orange, papaya and pineapple for a medley of fruit salad that rivals the taste of the steadfast malt sweetness. Trailing into a moderately bitter taste late on the palate, a tangy, nearly tart notion of fruit acidity plays in favor of the beer's balance as well.

Medium full but never really acting like an eleven-percent ale should, the beer finishes like a spicy, Belgo-American Tripel but without the signature yeast character. Oddly bright, almost refreshing and certainly off-cloying or viscous, al medium length aftertaste is chocked full of tropical punch and hop greenness.