Gong Water
Benchtop Brewing Company

Seems like a NEIPA more than an AIPA, but the slightly more pronounced bitterness could have it go either way. Poured from a 16 oz can into a pint glass, this beer features a hazy yellow color and a big foamy white head with good lacing. Head retention is very good. Taste and aroma are fairly pronounced. Starts off with some citrus (mostly orange) and a little sweet peach syrup and finishes with some moderate bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. Overall, pretty tasty. Mouthfeel is smooth with a little hops "bite". Nicely done!!!

 

 

 

Possibly old can, not sure of date, but I'm gonna be under rDev for sure with this one. Found some off-flavors and general funk indicative of deteriorated hops.

 

9/3/19 on label. Served in a Samuel Adams Perfect Pint glass.

A: murky golden amber with 1-2 finger head and decent lacing

S: overripe peaches, nectarines, and mangoes with guava

T: big hops blast of mango, guava, and peach with an herbal, grassy undertone. Low bitterness.

M: soft mouthfeel with full body and low carbonation, avoids the chalkiness in the finish that many NEIPAs have

O: enjoyable NEIPA that drinks great like most of Benchtop's lineup

 

Pours that golden/orange hue many of these NEIPAs pour, with off white head. A variety tropical fruit on the nose though that could be a little bit more powerful. I get papaya, mango, pineapple. Oh wow, this is just straight up Dole Pineapple with a touch of ripe mango. Maybe a little bit of papaya on the front end. This is delectable. It's super soft and tasty. Excellent NEIPA.

 

Hazy and opaque big bitter citrus taste but well balanced. Medium body and light carbonation. Recommend.

 

Big citrus with a refreshing restraint on sweetness...subtle bitter bite to balance....could (and will) drink many

 

 

I tried this beer off the tapper at Grain in downtown Norfolk, VA. It poured a hazy yellow with white head that left some lace. The scent had bitter fruit presence. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with citrus peel flare. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.