The Closer
Bitter Brothers Brewing Co.

Weird, weird beer. Pretty much like watching an Agnes Varda flick while baked. I mean, right out of the gate this beer is one that fell from the top of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. A brown IPA? No thank you. Smell is pretty bad too. Cheap bread maybe? I have no idea. That being said, some of the ugly ones know how to work it (if you catch Raul’s drift). And this one doesn’t actually taste that bad. It’s like, ok. It’s simply ok.

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: American IPA
Glass: Pure Project 16-oz. brandy snifter glass
Price: $2.69
From: Windmill Farms in Del Cerro (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: March 13, 2020
Consumed: March 20, 2020
Misc.: No canned on date

Grabbed this last on a recent trip to Windmill Farms. Saw Bitter Brothers and picked it up to see something I haven’t heard of. Have liked almost everything I’ve had from Bitter Brothers, reviewing six before from a 3.78 to a 4.21. Back of the can read, “A collaboration with three-time all-star pitcher Heath Bell. Proudly born and raised in San Diego, Heath Bell is a celebrated pitcher, father and three-time MLB All-Star. This special beer pays tribute to America's finest city and San Diego's greatest closer with an IPA rich in hops flavor, notes of refreshing citrus and a noticeably smooth finish. For any get-together with friends, the closer is a beer you can count on every time.” After some more digging, I saw that the mentioned hops were Citra and Mosaic. Can’t go wrong there.

Poured a light amber semi-clear color with 2-to-3 fingers of rocky white head. Could just see a few bubbles creeping up along the side of the glass at slow speeds. Perfect layered foamy lacing. Perfect retention. Such a good-looking beer. (Sight - 5.00)

Smelled bit tropical notes up front with Citra leading the way. Also grapefruit, lime, peach, passion fruit, papaya, mango, floral and Mosaic. Very sweet and tropical on the nose. Much of the same from the can. (Smell - 4.00)

Taste followed the nose almost to at “T,” maybe not quite as sweet. In order got sugary Citra, passion fruit, lime, grapefruit, Mosaic, floral, candied melon, El Dorado (no mention, but I’d be shocked if it wasn’t), peach, touch of coconut, papaya and mango. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium body. Creamy texture. Average-to-lively carbonation. Long, sugary, tropical finish. (Feel - 4.25)

So sweet, but outstanding overall. (Overall - 4.00)

4.09 | 91 | A-

The key word...and it is NOT a bad thing...is tropical...
Despite the odd copper- gold coloration, it's a gorgeous pour with a frothy, creamy, retentive head and sudsy lacing.
Enticing tropical fruit nose that hangs around well after the pour.
Citrusy profile with orange and bit of lemon. Mango and stone fruit. An odd, almost honey-like sweetness to offset a mild, soft bitter. Malt presence.
Smooooth feel and a soft finish.
Really a pleasant surprise and a highly drinkable new favorite.