Summer
Rhinegeist Brewery

I thought for sure there was a shandy category on BA but apparently not. I don't feel particularly good about rating something like this as high or higher than an actual beer, but it's officially June 1st and the temps are touching the 80s more often than not and this is good stuff. Is it basically pale ale with a splash of lemonade? I guess? Does it hit the spot? Heck yeah it does.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at BWW, Cincinnati

A- pours a hazy yellow color with a two-finger foamy white head that has long retention, leaving some lacing behind

S- toasted cracker malt, light citrus and floral hops

T- light citrusy hop bitterness with a toasted malt backbone, fruity mid-palate, crisp toasted finish

M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that turns creamy into a crisp dry finish

O- high drinkability, just a straight up pale

 

With the flavor of the season close at hand, Rhinegeist's Summer is much more than a season; it's a hop. The down-under variety of hops promises flavors of melon and apricot in a balanced taste and a bright but moderate feel.

What the senses receive is a bright golden beer with minimal haze. Its scent is lightly spruced with a stern whiff of stone fruit, tea, citrus, grass, pepper and light granola. Caramel, bread and nuttiness greet the early palate, and with a dry graham cracker taste.

Rolling flavors of apricot are mild but appreciated, but a mango, lemon, leaf and grass flavor soon overcomes the trailing caramel. Biscuit, grain and cereal all contribute a dry but savory affair.

The finish renders the body medium even as the ale trails with a lightness in taste and texture. Clean and highly refreshing, the beer's celebration of Summer hops leaves the beer trailing with sassafras, verbena and a pepper Saaz hops character that the palate can't ignore.

Summer pours a a crystal clear dark straw in color with a very active and frothy pure white head. The head dissipates half way through the session to leave just light film across the top of the beer. A moderate amount of lacing is present.

Ripe Cantaloupe and apricot lead the aroma profile with hints of caramel and a light biscuit in the background.

Up front we have a bit of the caramel sweetness that seems to linger from start to finish. Mid palate the hop profile takes over with the previously mention apricot making a strong showing with a bit of lemon thrown in the mix. Finishes with a mild hop bite of pine and earth.

light bordering on medium body. moderate carbonation. Creamy and dry.

Perfect for summer. Refreshing.