Schnake
Primal Brewing

Bringing juicy to the dry, fruity to the pine and more importantly, west coast to the east, Primal Brewing shows that the west coast isn't the only ones who can make west coast beer.

Pouring a deep golden hue and building a tall frothy cap, Schnake strikes the nose with a blend of citrus, spruce, pepper, pine and tropical fruit ahead of a mildly sweet taste of caramel and nuttiness. Seeming granola-like, the taste dries into a lightly toasty late taste when the bitterness sets in. Pine, pepper, fruit peels all align for a bitter finish with mild astringency and more juiciness than is usual for the style.

Schnake is a nice spin on the west coast ale but their efforts to elevate flavor, fruitiness and balance starts to compromise the dry bitterness that hop heads like in the style.

I got a can of this beer off the single shelf from the Primal Brewery - Belmont location whilst in North Carolina for my bestie's member guest tournament at his country club. It poured a clear golden with white head that is leaving a spotty lace. The sent had subtle fruit notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with crisp malt base and mild bitter citrus fruit presence. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it is a great beer.

 

Citrusy and light piney hop aroma and flavor. Definite California Common yeast character in flavor but lighter in aroma. Good balance with solid bitterness. Medium bodied and fairly smooth.