Prototype 4
Foundation Brewing Company

 

Such a surprise running into this one at a loyal brew shop. This blows away epiphany because it's not just a bunch of juice crammed in. So subtle and at the same time flavorful. Its a combo of swish and dinner...never to be seen again as an experimental beer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at York River Landing.
This was a bright gold color with a good-sized white head. The head dissipated rather quickly, leaving a little bit of lace.
A juicy aroma. Fresh, outdoorsy. Some sweet malt.
Tropical fruit taste up front, followed by a grassy, herbal taste. Bready background.
Crisp mouthfeel. Another home run from Foundation!

From a 16oz can, dated 02/20/17 (I think; the ink is a little smudged). Served in a nonic.

Pours a slightly-hazy pear colour with a finger-and-a-half of rocky, white foam. Retention is so-so, fading back to a small cap of silky scuz with thin spiderweb lacing.

Smells bright and clean, juicy, like the entire fruit section of the supermarket on a sunny day. Can beer smell 'happy?' It smells happy.

Tastes of mango-peach lemonade. Juicy, grassy, minty herbs, bubblegum and fresh white bread. Finishes so fast and clean that you're forced to take another sip to remind yourself how good it was.

Feel is smooth and juicy, medium-bodied, medium carbonation, a little drying at the finish.

Overall, oh, God, don't tell me this is another one of those experimental beers that are never going to be brewed again! Have mercy, give it a real name and put it in the regular line-up. This isn't one of those turbid, over-the-top, juicy, dank bombs; this is more subtle, understated, masterfully-crafted beer excellence.

[Edit]: I am having my second one two weeks later and it is as awesome as I remember it. Just upgraded my numbers a bit (taste & overall). ****** Please Foundation... make this a regular batch. I'll pay more for it. ******

from 16oz can dated 2/20/17 (2 weeks old), picked up from a store in Kittery

pours a hazy pale golden color (possibly in the greenish range of yellow rather than orange) with a thin silky head, spotty lacing

Aroma is incredibly fresh and pungent, full of lemon and grass notes. If there are any sweet notes then the tang of the citrus overpowers it.

Taste is equally fresh and full of up-front hop flavor. While the malt is very much in the background and not too sweet there is a healthy dose of bitterness. Aftertaste remains hoppy and bitter.

Mouth feel is crisp and clean, which works with the freshness well.

Overall I feel this is a rare gem of a beer. The fresh grassiness is something that I did not know was achievable before now (or that I would want) yet something I will be using as a benchmark for others trying for this flavor profile. It will be very hard to beat this. Truly a this is a fantastic beer. I need to get more - 3 cans left is not enough!