Thunder Boom
White Lion Brewing Company

 

Strong haze to the gold-orange color. Sizable initial head that recedes in a lumpy fashion and leaves plenty of chunky webs on the glass. There's always a completely coated surface (with lumps) through out the tasting.

Strong floral and weedy hops; I can smell it while the beer is still in the can. Subsequent whiffs bring out a pleasant, if not even more dominant, caramel malty biscuit. Excellent and attractive combination.

There's a smoothness to the initial mouthfeel that draws out the bready, lightly toasted malt. The hop is subdued, closer to the British original. The taste, with its distinctive hop bite though, is closer to a Western IPA. Even though the can says New England IPA, this is not a big juice, high hopped beer. I do pick up faint notes of mango and perhaps papaya in the swallow.

If you're really into the NE IPA flavors, this beer may disappoint. But if you are a fan of complex, well-made IPAs, you'll want to grab more than one.

 

 

From a can dated 12/11/19 (4 days ago)

Hazy orangey-gold , with light white head, that leaves a 1/8" ring and a tiny bit of lacing.

Smell is sour tangerine, fresh bready malt, grapefruit,papaya,pineapple, and dried mango.

Taste is grapefruit pith, tangerine , a vague mix of other tropical fruit, and a slight herbal flavor (hops?) that comes in late , with the burst of moderate bitterness.

Feel is medium-light, with moderate very fine carbonation tingle.

Overall, this is OK. Not unpleasant , but nothing special either. The flavor is somewhat muted, though getting a bit stronger, and better, as it warms. Might be better with a little more time. 1st of a 4pk, so will try 1 each of the next 3 weeks, and adjust ratings accordingly, if needed. The lightness probably would be refreshing on a hot summer day , but right now, it's slightly disappointing. [Edit : 10 minutes later, and stronger, especially the tangerine flavor It is better ; not disappointing, just not exciting. ]