Palm Shade (Guava & White Tea)
Cruz Blanca Brewpub

 

an interesting hazy ipa type with guava and white tea in it. a little funk too, which im not sure is supposed to be there. as interesting as this was, i didnt find it anywhere near is compelling or professionally executed as their wonderful pineapple wild saison in chardonnay barrels, which was a total hit for me. this one is real hazy, not overly lively, and quite dense looking in the glass, raw and rugged and unrefined. i can smell the sweetness of the guava, its juiciness and tropical flare, and its quite compatible with the citrusy hops, but its also green and vegetal and very sweet when i taste it, maybe more of both than is needed here. the white tea is cool, i almost wish this was a cleaned up blonde ale or kolsch or something with the guava and the tea rather than a hazy ipa, i think the delicate tea and its synergy with the fruit is lost a little to all the grain and hop bite. there is a funny fermentation element here too that is off for me, and next to the pineapple one, its not even close. that said, its a cool idea and definitely stands out as unique in a style that is tending more and more samey all the time. it was a nice change of pace, points for that, but it could use some cleaning up i think to be as drinkable as it should be. i like the extra ingredients in here though. very curious to check these guys out when i am in chicago next!

I tried this at the brewery. It poured a murky yellow brownish...with white head that did not leave much lace. The scent had guava tropical fruit mix. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with guava start and green tea hint at the end. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall its a good beer.

Had on tap. More carbonated than usual for an ipa, but the tropical flavors with the guava and tea really bring out the more subtle melon, passionfruit and kiwi. The smell is a lot of tea and light hops. Overall nice for a hot day, but still would like more either hop or tropical and less tea