Tiki-Time Tropical Sour
Hi-Wire Brewing

 

With a strong bond a brewin' between Asheville and Louisville, two of the towns' most exciting ale makers team up for a tropical inspired concocted and collaboration beer that sweeps the tastebuds off of their feet and transports them to a tropical island.

Hi-Wire & Atrium breweries reach deep into the pantry for the spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla and pile them high on a tart and tropical base of guava, pineapple, papaya and lime to give Tiki-Time a succulent and sexy upstart. Pouring pale straw, the softly cloudy beer floats a cottony and arid froth ahead of a soothing scent of citrus, tropical and spicy perfumes that drift softly across the nose. As its first sip graces the tongue, first impressions of light graham cracker, cream, sourdough and pastry crust start to create a lime pie flavor.

But the fruit flavors are just getting started. A strong lime taste starts to invite other citrusy flavors of lemon but with a followup of a bevy of tropical fruits. The prescribed pineapple and papaya flavors are front and center while impressions of passionfruit, green mango and lychee play a supporting role. Tart and just off of full-blown sour, the beer's acidity dissolves the pastry malts and give the fruits a fresh, bright and racy zeal to close.

Soft spiciness of nutmeg and vanilla soften the acidity as the ale finishes fruity and tart but with a soothing and velvety edge. Its a tasty, refreshing and highly drinkable tart ale that suffers a little from thinness and lack of intensity across the board.