Water Guns and Rainbows
Ludlam Island Brewery

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poured into a pint glass: color is hazy, turbid straw, head is off white with fine bubbles and presents 1/2 inch thick then dissipates to a ring but leaves a large amount of lacing on the glass sides.

Smell is light, mixed blend of lemon, tropical notes and oats and malt with a light biscuit/pancake note.

Taste is similar with a lemony citrus hop flavor, maybe some mixed citrus pithiness, light tropicals, light floral, then malt/oats/biscuit backing.

Mouthfeel is lower carbonation, moderate sweetness, moderate bitterness.

Overall a nicely done IPA/hazyIPA - simple hopping, notable malt/oats; hopping level seems to push this on the base IPA side but appearance/aroma/presentation leans hazy/NEIPA, regardless it drinks easily.

Pint on draught at the brewery. It pours a turbid, dirty, pastel tan-yellow color with a thick cap of creamy, eggshell-colored foam and thick, clinging lacing. It's a very attractive pour. The smell is rather subdued: mostly lemon peel, grapefruit, melon, and subtle, floral hops. I really like the taste of this beer! Soft lemon and orange peel with notes of cantaloupe melon and sweet oats in the background. It's dank, juicy, and only moderately bitter. I believe it's single-hopped with Citra and the simplicity is rewarded with well-balanced flavor. I love the mouth feel: it's thick, plush, and creamy with appropriate carbonation. While it's easy to drink the 7.5% ABV gives it a lot of substance. Don't pound it too quickly. Overall, Water Guns and Rainbows is well-executed. Ludlam makes the most of a fairly simple recipe. This is damn tasty and crushable.