Pirate Bae
Barebottle Brewing Company

Half of a 32-ounce Crowler into a mug. Pours beautifully smooth and leaves a two-and-a-half fingers of foamy head. Retention is long-lasting with plenty of carbonation to create a thick lace topping. Color is a clear bronze with many bubbles dancing throughout the beer. If I had to describe the nose in one word, I would say it’s “rich.” The smell has notes of Creeping Charlie and sweet grass. The additional creaminess makes it smell a bit like a minty alcoholic milkshake. It smells delightful. The first sip is true to the beer’s name. A blast of mint and caramelized sugars is roped together by a rich creaminess that fades just quick enough for the final alcoholic bite to shine through. The subtle malt background would be unnoticeable if not for the crucial role it plays in keeping the beer sufficiently full-bodied, giving each flavor time in the limelight (pun fully intended). Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth at first but fades into slight pinpricks as the carbonation peppers the tongue. I feel that the carbonation could be dialed back a tiny bit, as this is a beer style that lends itself to quick quaffing, and high amounts of carbonation can get overwhelming. Overall a very delicious cream ale with a unique twist. A creative choice with great execution.