West Coast Starfish
Aslin Beer Company

Can, had two weeks after purchase (appx 5 weeks based on first review):
A little surprised this one comes across so well as a citrusy west coast IPA with strong bitterness that lingers into the finish Lightly hazed light golden body, the head is moderate, though it holds and laces pretty well. The nose takes a short while to open up from a cold pour, but familiar tangerine and grapefruit pith come through, along with a little guava and passion fruit. Taste starts just on the sweet side, which promotes a tropical fruit vibe. It balances with a slightly grainy middle before diving into the pithy grapefruit bitterness. A hint of herb plays in, becoming more spruce-like and finally including some pine needles in the linger.

I haven't had a lot of Aslin recently, but this is an atypical Aslin beer from my past experience, but one I am quite happy they made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16oz can, tulip, no freshness dating. I bought at the Alexandria location and asked why they don’t date stamp their beer. The two guys sort of shrugged and said they used to sell everything out so quickly they didn’t need to. Also that this beer was canned in the last week. I told them I make beer buying decisions based on the date or lack thereof.

Medium yellow with some chill or light haze. The head is modest and whitish.

Papaya, mango, and very tropical smoothie. The papaya especially is distinctive.

The rush of flavor is like a blend of juices you might enjoy fresh in Hawaii or another exotic destination. Papaya, guava, and mango all pop before fading to a mild cracker middle, then medium-light bitter finish.

The carbonation does an excellent job of rushing all the flavors to your tongue lickety split. The body is light and soft.

The influences of Aslin’s preferred hazy IPAs is clear on this west coast IPA spin off. It’s softer, no hard edges. It’s bitter, but not overly, and the flavors are very tropical and lush.