A Placeholder for Connection
Ethereal Brewing

While many seats inside the taprooms are empty, the beer shelves are not. Amidst a pandemic, the brewers at both Ethereal and Rock House get together for a collaboration New England-styled IPA that boasts what's best about Citra, Lorel and Cashmere hops. They just might save a place for you at the counter.

A Placeholder for Connection drives home a pale and turbid appearance of pale taupe with a burnish matte depth. Above it all floats a creamy ivory-stained lather to draw in the senses with a burst of citrus, green herbs, a tangy twinge to the nose and a soft vanilla-like scent. Starting off sweet with candies cashew, pastry dough and a hint of taffy fruitiness, the early palate sets a malty tone.

But as the malt sweetness and its associated starchiness lifts, the hops build upon with the radiance of lemon, white grapefruit, under ripened orange, young mango, passionfruit and pineapple- all carrying a tangier, greener character. Trending soft and herbal, the taste of lemongrass, parsley and chive carries a softer cereal taste along with suggestive hints of key lime and lemon sorbet. A muted bitter taste late on the palate extends into a cedar-like, sprucy hemp taste for extra measure.

Medium bodied and rounded in finish, the Hazy IPA teases with green tea, gin-like botanicals and a slightly dank greenness that extends into a lightly peppery, pleasant grassiness aftertaste.