Gamma-Ray Ginger Wheat
Empirical Brewery

 

 

 

 

 

one of the better beers i had here at empirical, which has an awesome taproom well worth checking out. this is spicy like fresh ginger root in the nose and taste, with subtle hints of citrus and hops along the way, but really zippy and intense on the ginger, refreshing and almost healthful feeling. i like it a lot. pale and relatively clear, not much head, sort of unimpressive and unassuming in appearance. first sniff and first sip are super intense from the ginger, but the palate mellows quickly and it becomes more approachable. mild lemon and green tea notes spring up as well, and are pushed through quickly by prickly carbonation that was a little unexpected after the flat looking pour. after the swallow a rush of black pepper comes up with some residual heat from the ginger, a real neat feature of this very distinct brew. my first from these guys, it made a serious impression. not for everyone, but for those in seek of intensely flavor ale or who cant get enough ginger in things, this is one to find and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

12oz bottle
A - clearer than expected golden body with a thin, creamy white head
S - fresh ginger, cracked wheat, orange, pepper, grass
T - similar to aroma with ginger leading the charge, orange zest, pepper, wheat, and grassy & spicy hops round out the flavor
M - medium body, finishes semi-dry and well balanced in flavor
O - better than expected. I wasn't sure about the ginger, but this beer is well constructed.