Hard Hug
The Answer Brewpub

 

A: Pours a very hazy medium golden yellow in color with moderate to heavy amounts of active visible carbonation rising quickly from the bottom of the glass and faint apricot colored highlights. The beer has a three finger tall foamy white head that reduces to a large patch of mottled thin film covering the majority of the surface of the beer (probably a touch over 90%) and a thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light to moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Slightly stronger than moderate aromas of juicy citrus/grapefruit, tropical/mango, tropical/melon, and dank hops over the top of light to moderate aromas of slightly sweet grainy malts.

T: Upfront there is a light to moderate flavor of grainy malts with a slightly less than moderate amount of grainy sweetness. That is followed by moderate flavors of juicy citrus/grapefruit, tropical/mango, tropical/melon, and dank hops with a hint of herbal + grassy hops. The hops contribute a light amount of bitterness to the finish which fades away quickly.

M: Just shy of medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth with a hint of dryness in the finish.

O: Easy to drink and very enjoyable - drinks like a session IPA not a DIPA though it still packs a lot of flavor, just hides the alcohol extremely well. Would definitely grab this one again, if available, the next time I'm through Richmond.

 

 

Poured on tap in a snifter, the beer is a hazy, yellow-gold coloring, with a low, clingy, white head. Nose of rich grapefruit, lemon, mango, and melon, followed by dried grass and rich evergreen. Very aromatic. Flavors are a solid blend of dank hops and citrus juice forward, rich in moss, grass, and cedar, all on a juice blast of mango, lemon, pineapple, and grapefruit. Tremendously balanced. The aftertaste is heavy tropical and citrus juice, with herbal and vegetal hops profiles. Smooth, slightly dry finish. Great beer.