Spring-Heeled Jack
Ethereal Brewing

In a sea of Pacific Northwest hops, its the classic European styles of beer that are getting left behind. Those well balanced, sensibly flavored, beer versions of comfort food are being passed up for the glitz and the glam of American experimental ales. But if those styles are going to remain relevant, it'll be because of competent brewers like Ethereal Brewing to keep the taste alive.

Rusty amber and with a bronze depth, the frothy ale is relaxed in its foam character while a toffee, nutty and floral medley of hops and malt align on the nose. Its taste is malty sweet with a toasty, nutty, toffee-like taste taking a cashew and shortcake character early and often.

A sensible world of balance occurs on the middle palate as the malt sweetness relaxes slightly and the hops continue to make a stronger mark. Apricot, marmalade and biscuit malt align on the tastebuds for a complex depth of taste that's also refreshing, drinkable and highly palatable. A broad woodsiness presents itself in finish with a mossy, grassy and tea-like taste.

Medium bodied and malty-dry, the beer's even keel malt and hop balance holds true deep into a medium length afterglow of stone fruit, woods and nutty sweetness.