Tactical Apricotamus
Innovation Brewing

 

In what's likely to never be a dispute over a cease and desist naming right, the beer makers at Innovation Brewing embark upon a formidable Belgian styled blonde ale and then inoculate it with souring cultures. The acidic, musty, drinkable and dry ale that emerges is blissfully refreshing.

Pale straw and laced with a mild translucent glow, the tangy ale settles with a quick froth, soon looking like a zesty, hazy white wine. And those impressions only amplify as the nose is brisk with sour citrus, melon, tropical and vinous fruits, but with a tingle of pepper heading into the first sip. Tepidly sweet, the front of the tongue registers a dry wafer maltiness with hints of saltwater taffy and honeysuckle.

Yet the middle palate is all about the sourness and fruit. Sweetness and maltiness recedes further and the tongue is brightened with lemon, grapefruit, white grape, gooseberry and passionfruit. The piquant tang of apricot lays a cast of fruit rollup on the tastebuds with those nectarine, orange and faint marmalade succulence. Peppery, soothing and bright, the finish comes with a light pectin bite and a wisp of cork and burlap.

Medium light on the palate, the beer retains just enough creaminess and sweetness to keep the identity of the fruit radiant with true apricot flavor and feel. Sparkling white wine and a faint suggestion of saddle leather gives an element of intrigue to an otherwise simplistic taste. A brief afterglow of damp hay and leathery apricot ensure utmost refreshment and charm.