Aphrodite Ale
Cloud 9 Brewery

i wish i took better notes sometimes, this is made with some aphrodisiac ingredients, saffron maybe, cant remember what else, maybe maca, its earthy and herbal and even tea-like, but its also very subtle and drinkable, creative organic tasting brew thats nice for spring with some apparent health benefits, although i didnt get too aroused or anything drinking it, maybe i just didnt have enough. this is floral with a dried cut flowers and herbs vibe, a little malt sweetness in the middle along with its fuller medium body and then a sort of botanical finish with a little bitterness, almost a ginger and citrus wrinkle to it too, i taste more and more as i let it sit, orange and chamomile and something earthy like carrot, i wish i could recall what they use, but saffron makes sense. it could stand a little more carbonation to lighten it up, or a touch less body, the texture doesnt quite fit the flavor profile, not as delicate and alive, but this is really cool beer anyway, and this is something i have come to look forward to from these guys, they do this sort of thing so well, surprised they do not have a more robust following here. this is very solid herbal beer, unique and well made.

edit: more than four years later they are still doing this one, summer 2025, the menu now calls it saffron honey rye, and the menu has it listed at 8.4% abv, so some variation there, but the server told us its the same beer, maybe something happened with another beer with the same name, but he assured us its this beer. its got vanilla and ginseng and horny goat weed in it too, in addition to honey and saffron and maca, and apparently it is made for valentines day each year, which with how small their system is here, is troubling given that was so long ago now and this is still around. the saffron is subtle, it has an earthy ginger-like spice to it, the honey is nice with the malt in the middle of this, more herbal later, some bitterness on the back end. its tasty, one of their best beers, but i think some of these fun ingredients could be turned up a bit in the mix. still, i dig this, creative and maybe healthful, truly original.

Most "beerish" mead I’ve had. Initial taste is a spicy wit, with more of the herbs and spices kicking in a bit later. Light honey taste, some lemon in the aroma as well. Hazy golden body with soft, creamy white head. Spicy finish. Wonderfully done.

Tap today at the brewpub... Slightly hazy orange.. Foamy white head with nice retention and lacing... A weird spiciness that comes from the botanicals.. a bit thick and sweet IMO.. I know there is some honey essence in there that is masked a bit by the herbaceous quality.. Interesting, but typically spiced beers aren't my thing and this is no exception.

4/3.5/3.25/3.25/3.25