Unchained #21: Us & Them
Summit Brewing Company

I am continuing to give my attention to the Summit as the dreaded Bottle Backlog at Chez Woody continues to fall by the wayside. The name on this one is so picture perfect that unless I built it, my hat is tipped to the person who did so.

From the bottle: "Proudly Brewed in St. Paul, Minnesota"; "[undersigned] Gabe Smoley [,] Brewer".

Hmm. A different brewer than the one for No. 20. I began by Pop!ping the cap & performing a gentle pour into the awaiting glass. An in-glass swirl raised a finger of dense, rocky, bone-white head that slowly fell back to wisps, leaving sticky lacing in its wake. Color was Yellow-Gold (SRM = 4 - 5) with NE-quality clarity, enticing a visit from The Gelt Gang of Mammon, Midas & Croesus, all squabbling for a taste. Nose had a mild lemony-grapefruity citrusiness. Mmm. Mouthfeel was medium. The taste had a lightly grapefruit citrusy bitterness so at least it was not just aroma hops as so many Session IPAs seem to be. Finish was light, dry, not overly hoppy and mostly refreshing, I suppose that it would be good on a hot, humid summer's day, but I like my beer to have a bit more Oooomph!

Artwork: Black label with medium- and small-sized text that I found kind of disorienting. Not a label that invites you or intrigues you about this product.
Appearance: Golden andwith a little bit of a haze and vivid carbonation. One inch head that lasts a couple of minutes and leaves nice lacing behind.
Smell: Faint hops but an overall "fresh" aroma.
Taste: Moderate bitterness, notes of orange peel and a bit of a grassy/floral aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Medium body. Pleasant medium carbonation.
Overall: A very nice sessionable IPA.

 

12 oz bottle slow-poured into a tumbler glass. Comes in a six-pack with an IPA. Enjoy by 7/10

L - hazy pale yellow color. Nice thick lacing on the glass. Two finger head, layer of foam over the top.

S - pinesap, citrus. Nothing really standing out. Some malt coming through.

T - assertive bitterness, more clean watery malt. Tasty and light with nice hop flavor.

F - Very sessionable IPA. Nice balance with just a light bitterness. More like a pale ale.

O - Not into Session IPAs. I'd rather have a hoppy pils, pale ale, or a regular IPA instead. Nonetheless a good beer for fans of the style.

16oz can. Poured out a clear, golden-amber color with a small, tan head of bubbly foam. It smelled of orange, caramel with some floral notes. A nice citrus bite with toasted caramel and a sharp bitterness.

Appearance: Pours a clear amber verging on golden; the cap of foam rises to an inch and holds reasonably well; splashy lacing

Smell: Cracker malt and a whiff of pine

Taste: Cracker malt forward, bringing some graham sweetness; modest piney hop flavors develop, through the middle; the finish is a blend, with the sweetness prevalent

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body with moderate carbonation

Overall: I am giving this one the benefit of the doubt as it is close to its best by date and the hops appear to have faded; a pleasant drinker but nothing special

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pours a nice, frothy white head. Wonderful, citrus aroma. Clear, gold color. Starts with a nice, sharp bitterness that is gushing with citrus rind. Mellows and takes on a pine flavor. Finish is sweet malt and lingering citrus rind with a hint of pine.

This is really, really good. Everything I love about a Summit IPA.