Microdosing : Strata
BlackStack Brewing

 

 

 

I got a can of this beer off the single shelf from my local beer store located just around the corner. It poured a smoothie hazy golden with white head that left some lace. The scent had bright berry and mango notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with ripe mango, kiwi and apricot presence. The mouthfeel was medium in body and had good carbonation. Overall it is a solid beer.

No canning date

Appearance: Pours a mostly clear, (25% clarity) light and pale golden color with a strong white head. SRM of 6. (4.00)

Aroma: Strong aromas of bright grapefruit, some earthy mango flesh and mango skins with a light strawberry, mango sweetness. (4.25)

Flavor: Strong and juicy flavors of ripe mango flesh, mango skins, pine grapefruit and strawberry sorbet. Some earthiness lingers to not allow it to drink too sweet. (4.25)

Feel: Medium-bodied. Carbonation to match and juicy, but a relatively earthy, but lighter finish. (4.25)

Compared to BlackStack Universally Panned 10/22: Pour slighter. Stronger aromas. More mango flesh/skins, strawberry, grapefruit. Less ripe tropical melon and blueberries.

Compared to BlackStack Crowd Control 10/2022: Pours similar. Similar aromas. More strawberries and papaya. Similar mango, but slightly less green and sweet grapefruit.

Compared to BlackStack Trust the Process 10/2022: Pours similar. Stronger aromas. More papaya and mango. Less tropical pineapple and berries. Lighter and cleaner.

Compared to Old Irving Beezer 12/2022: Pours lighter, stronger aromas. More juicy flavors. Less bitter. Better all around

Compared to Junkyard Jolly Meal 12/2022: Pours lighter, similar aromas. More mango and bubblegum. Less lemon-lime citrus, kiwi and coconut. Sweeter and more smooth.

Compared to BlackStack The Great Outdoors 12/2022: Pours lighter, stronger aromas. More tart juicyfruit and mango. Less tropical papaya.

Compared to The Veil Wake Up 12/2022: Pours lighter, stronger aromas. More tart juicyfruit and mango. Less grapefruit, white grape, and crisp floral notes.

Compared to BlackStack Keeping It Casual 1/2023: Pours lighter and clearer. Stronger aromas. More mango skins and bitter grapefruit. Less lemon citrus and tropical pineapple. Winner: Microdosing Strata, slightly.

Compared to BlackStack Loud Drops 1/2023: Pours lighter and clearer. Stronger aromas. More mango skins and bitter grapefruit. Less smooth orange, malt and a cleaner mouthfeel. Winner: Microdosing Strata.

Overall: This one nails the Strata hop. I get all of the flavors of ripe mango flesh and mango skins, pink grapefruit with a strawberry/mango sweetness. Somewhat earhty from the mango with some tart or wild yeast giving a bubblegum flavor. I sometimes get this with the Strata mango flavor. Just enough mango skin to not allow it to finish too sweet. Balanced and just the right ABV. Darn folks this single hop showcase is good. (Rating: 4.29)

 

Pours a hazy lemon straw color with a thin fresh white head . Smell is tropical and fruity . Taste has melon,citrus berries ,and passion fruit. Mouth feel is fruity soft and dank with hops . Tasty lower in ABV for Blackstack .