Meant To Bee
Common Roots Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

This is a really interesting beer. I can see how it might seem off to some people coming in and expecting a big, juicy American IPA. The hops are much more subdued, tending much more toward flavor and aroma than bitterness. The chamomile and honey combined with the late hop additions create a very unique flavor profile. Almost a hot toddy type of flavor. I'd almost think it would be better characterized as just a specialty beer, maybe even just a blonde ale, rather than an IPA. But however you classify it, it's delicious.

A: Poured from the half-growler into a stemmed angular-type tulip glass. Body is crystal clear orangey-amber with a small whitish head. No visible carbonation. Good lace.

S: Sweetness. Honey and something unusual - I'm guessing that's the chamomile. It's kind of soapy, reminds me of shampoo.

T: First impression: sweet. Not at all like your typical American IPA. Definitely herbal tea-like with some floral characteristics and an underlying heavy sweetness, presumably from the honey. Finishes with a surprising bitterness lingering on the aftertaste.

M: Fairly oily with low carbonation. Call it medium in heft.

O: Not my cup of tea (ha ha): simply too sweet for an American IPA. It's not bad, just not what I want in an IPA. Glad I'm splitting this half-growler with my friend Steve-O, as I'm not sure I'd want to finish 32 oz myself.

From a growler into a tulip on 2/17/16.

Look: Caramel and fairly hazy. Somewhat translucent but not overly so. Poured a half-finger of white head with good retention. Moderate lacing

Smell: Wow, the honey really cuts through. Little bit of pine and malt but it's really amazing how potent the honey nose is.

Taste: Initially bitter and hoppy which gives way to pleasant malt. After that comes the wave of honey and chamomile. To the best of my understanding, this was a one-off collaboration with Albany Distilling Company to really showcase those two flavors and they definitely achieved that. Haven't tasted anything like it before.

Feel: Thin mouthfeel, moderate carbonation. Nothing too remarkable here. Fairly alcoholic, but not unpleasantly so.

Overall: I had two flights showcasing everything on tap at Common Roots while I was there. This was the standout for sure. So much so I purchased a growler of it to take home. Like I said earlier, the intent of this beer is clear. Common Roots and Albany Distilling Company set out to make a honey and chamomile-forward beer and they delivered tremendously on that front. I wish they were canning it so I could buy a few to let sit for a while to see how it develops over time.

This beer surprised me with every sip.

Look is a nice rich golden and opaque

Smell is very citrus with some grassy floral notes.

Taste is very floral followed by a hint of citrus. Just enough bitterness to round things out. The malt is there to support everything but it doesn't sit too heavy.

This is a very fresh take on an IpA. The chamomile is a good fit to the style. Highly recommended.

Nice and juicy

The aroma is fantastic, fresh fruit, and such a great "juicy" hop flavor.