Pine Bomb
Abnormal Beer Company

Sometimes I just want to go there. I want to be there (in the middle of a forest, Big Sur, to be honest). And I want to simply take in its glorious wonder. I’m not Allen Ginsburg on an acid trip. I’m just Raul and I want to enjoy some of life’s most beautiful and natural surroundings. And while I drink Pine Bomb, I may not feel like I’m in Big Sur, but maybe I’m in the closest forest to me that’s off of the 5. And right now, that’s ok with me.

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: American IPA
Glass: North Park 16.5-oz. Munique glass
Price: $3.59
From: Windmill Farms in Del Cerro (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Feb. 12, 2021
Consumed: Feb. 13, 2021
Misc.: Canned on Feb. 4, 2021

Got this and way too many beers on a recent trip to Windmill Farms. Pretty much everything I have had from Abnormal has been solid and I expected the same here. Abnormal’s website read “Tis the season for candy canes, sledding, and the sweet smell of fresh cut pine trees. Well, we wanted to be part of all that fun so we made this beer. We chose to utilize some of the more pine forward hops, like Simcoe and Columbus, and paired with Citra and Cascade we created a blend that screams timber! Also, the ABV stays in check on this one so that you can keep drinking one after another while socializing at all of your holiday gatherings. The final result is a resinous pine bomb that is supported by a medium-bodied malt backbone and finished with a clean lingering bitterness. Share with all you friends and family, Cheers!”

Poured a medium amber clear color with three fingers of frothy off-white head. Plenty of bubble streams coming up along the sides of the glass. World-class layered lacing. Very good retention. (Sight - 4.25)

First whiff kind of reminded me of a poor man’s Celebration. Got Simcoe, pine, resin, onion, black pepper, Cascade, herbal and lime. A little better out of the can with the addition of earthy malt. (Smell - 3.75)

Taste was not as much Celebration as the nose, but still some similar qualities. Specifically Simcoe, pine, resin, onion, black pepper, Columbus (it’s been a bit), Cascade, lime and herbal. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium body. Oily-to-creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth finish. Just a tad spicy but went down easy. (Feel - 4.50)

This one grew on me as it went down. Outstanding overall. (Overall - 4.00)

4.01 | 90 | A-

 

meh. where are the hops? solid ABV at least.

This needed a bit more resinous hop flavor to live up to its name. Still a very fine brew from a solid brewery.