Counter Current
Slack Tide Brewing Co.

 

Pours a dark orange with a matte hue and a heavy foggy translucency. Head is a few fingers of pillowy off-white foam. Aroma is papaya, tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon zest. It's tropical fruits right out front, but develops a cutting edge of green, which undermines the initial sweetness. As the beer warms, green starts to dissipates, which is positive; however, it places bubblegum in its place. Flavor profile is papaya, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon zest, and finally grass, which round out the initial hop qualities. A little banana gives it some further tangy sweetness. It's a burst of tropical fruits out front. As the tropical fruits fade, it reveals doughy, and bready malts. The flavor profile resembles a 90 degree triangle, hitting hard at the onset, and tapering off a long ways down the hypotenuse. Mouth feel is medium in thickness, which bubbles down towards a medium-thin finish. Texture is watery, with very soft and uneven effervescence. Overall, it's easy drinking despite some of my negative words. It's on the lighter side of NE IPAs, and with that, brings some of the drawback - namely the texture and consistent decay of the flavor profile. Despite that, it's a fine beer for sipping.

Served in a 15.5oz Spiegelau tulip from a 16oz can.

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed 3 days after can release. Poured into a tulip glass. It pours a cloudy, dirty orange color with a half finger of creamy, bright white head and thick sheen of lacing. It has a true NEIPA appearance. The aromatic, fruity nose features ripe cantaloupe melon, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, pine resin, and floral hops. The taste opens with a burst of both tropical fruit and tart citrus that balance nicely. But the Lupulin powder adds an earthy bitterness without much astringency. It finishes with a significant bite. The mouth feel feel is terrific - it's plush and creamy - with the Lupulin imparting a slightly oily feel. The level of carbonation is nearly perfect and with a moderate 6.5% ABV a second pour is not a problem. Overall, Slack Tide has done a nice job with Counter Current. It will satisfy your inner sweet tooth and hop head.