Cow Tipping
Mirror Twin Brewing

It's all about that haze, about that haze, about that haze, ...no bitter. For the Mirror Twin team, the typical hazy IPA is old hat, so they push well beyond that with a blackberry forward tasting ale doused with vanilla and lactose for a milkshake version of the New England styled IPA. Berries and cream never had it so good.

Rusty mauve and very haze, the nearly turbid ale pours with snowflakes of coagulated proteins and yeast. As voluminous and frothy cap builds, the fruity scent of dark berries is front and center. Bold attributes of citrus, herb and light tropical fruit dance underneath the blackberries before the first taste awakens the palate with a light doughy sweet taste of cobbler, honey and poundcake.

And as the ale spreads across the middle palate, its the hops that rise to rival the berries with a bold and zesty taste of oranges, pink grapefruit, lime and then a tropical complement of passionfruit and under ripened mango. Trending herbal, tangy and bitter nearing the late palate, the light fruit acidity brings light vinous tone ahead of a strong black tea earthiness with a sprig of sassafras and verbena. A peppery bitterness signal closure with a brightness and bite.

Medium bodied, the beer seems lighter because of the acidity that the fruit adds to the balance, but the robust taste of the fruit suggests something bolder. The softness of vanilla and cream keep the session rounded and supported, not letting the hops nor the fruit to become unruly. A medium length of peppery bitterness barely outlasts the malt, fruit and soothing spice for a smooth texture and succulent taste.