Kappa Flounder
Rhinegeist Brewery

 

 

 

Staying with their... i guess, ...Greek Lettered Fish series, Rhinegeist plays well with hops even while fishing for new flavors through the exploration of hops and the proper grain bill to support those bitter, herbal and fruit filled flavors.

With a medium golden color and a moderate unfiltered haze, the foggy Kappa Flounder puts itself in a rare fraternity with a hoppy perfume of tropical, spruce, citrus and tea. As its frothy white cap relaxes, the first sip comes calling with a soft malt profile of honeysuckle, agave and slight croissant-type breadiness.

Then the IPA turns the flavors over to the uniqueness of Amarillo, Kohatu and Huell Melon hops with a quick taste of lemon and pink grapefruit in a certain citron brightness. The palate mingles through complementary flavors of orange peel, passionfruit, papaya and orange peel that are all wrapped in a honeydew juiciness. A trend toward a bitter balance, the beer trails into a rather classic sprucy, lemongrass and peppery tea finish.

Medium bodied and trending crisp, clean and highly refreshing, Kappa Flounder is a rather safe balance with subtle complexities from hops. It finishes firmly on the bitter side of malty-dry with a linger of gin spices, lemon tea and freshly torn spruce needles.