Amarillo Fresh Hop
Holy Mountain Brewing Company - Interbay Brewery + Taproom

 

I'm going to write a quick review of this one just because it's not getting the love it deserves. This beer, imo, is actually an impressive sampling of the Amarillo hop, which doesn't get much recognition as a stand-alone flavor. The beer pours a clear light orange color with a bit of haze. Tropical fruits at the nose (mostly grapefruit) and some expected bitterness in the flavor. Indeed, this is a bit bitter, but there is an extreme juiciness that HM managed to tease out. The beer also has a difficult to describe acidity that seems to come from the carbonation more than the flavor. It's not tangy, but instead has a bit of a soda bite (like a 7-up I suppose). Perhaps this is the beer's biggest flaw for me. The carbonation is too cloying. I wish the mouthfeel were softer and more rounded. Overall, I thought this was excellent. It's one of my favorite HM beers, and I can't wait to try more offerings like this!

 

 

 

On tap at The Masonry.

Cloudy yellow, no head to speak of, cool lacing.

Aroma is hoppy, but fairly mild. Taste is grassy, and a little bready. Lots of hops, not much citrus. Not particularly bitter.

Mouthfeel is full bodied, almost creamy, at least for a pale ale.

This is a solid pale ale that doesn't quite light me up.