City Fox
Brenner Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

 

I'll admit to purchasing this one for the gorgeous label on the bottle, and for my affinity for [blank]PA's. The initial impression was actually pretty great - the first sip was overwhelmingly of grapefruit, citrus, and other classic pale ale flavors, without the brutal bitterness of a full IPA. Unfortunately, these flavors quickly gave way to a harsh aftertaste - one I associate with cheap lagers. I'm not certain what that flavor is, exactly - think that "Bud Light kick", but, it grows progressively stronger the more one drinks this beer, and the warmer it becomes while drinking. I don't mean to scare anyone away from the beer - I did actually enjoy it. However, it's a shame it couldn't receive a higher score from me.

 

 

Aroma is citrus/fruit and an bit of vinegar. The flavor is citrus, fruit, malts, mild sweetness, that odd bit of vinegar and a mix of mild bitterness and tart in the finish.

 

 

 

 

Limited caramel malts in the grist give this delightful APA a light yellow hue. Slight head clings to the glass, and lets the mosaic hops burst into my nose. I get grapefruit, lycée fruit, maybe a little apple. Flavor is well-balanced, and the minimal bitterness of the hops makes this a definite sessionable beer to drink over and over.

Pour: On draft at Brenner Brewing in Milwaukee, WI. Poured into a nonic pint. Appearance: Hazy golden straw with a white head that lasts. Considerable lacing on the sides of the glass. Aroma: Hoppy notes with juicy stone fruits...mango and citrus...grapefruit. Malty notes are present but hide a bit behind those hops. Taste: Big and bold hop flavors. Again the mango and grapefruit are present. Clean and crisp. Aftertaste: Finishes with a very juicy linger and reveals some slightly bitter acidic characteristics. Tingles the tongue. Overall: Brenner has a winner with this one. Uniquely balanced and crushable. Very good. 4 out of 5.

Was in MIlwaukie for business. Had a great time at the brewery today. City Fox was by far my favorite beer they had. Bought a six-pack to bring back to the hotel with me.

 

 

Had on tap at Palm Tavern. This was a struggle. I would love to support a new brewery in town, but this missed the mark entirely. All of the flavors are both muddled and muted. Same for the aroma. With so many good APAs around, it's hard to stomach this one.