Champagne Papi
Gravely Brewing Co.

Clear as a Pilsner. Thick white head that has staying power. Nice lacing. Nose is sort of sweet as is the taste. Doesn’t drink like 7%. Good to above average beer.

For those who are torn between the inkling for both IPA and sparkling white wine, Gravely Brewing has just the beer for you. Flying in the face of all things hazy, their brut IPA is making hoppy beer both bitter and dry again.

Pouring a deep lemon color, the brightly translucent Champagne Papi builds a rich white and loose lather with its elevated carbonation presence. Bringing to life the aspects of citrus, melon and herb, the bubbles pop about the nose for a racy, slightly acidic scent. Scant sweetness glosses over the tongue with slim suggesions of honey, candy and grape nuts.

And then the hops quickly win out as the ale rushes across the middle palate. Tangy and bright flavors of lemon, apple, pear and honeydew add a unique and dried fruit character. As the bubble continue to pop, the malt is further lifted from the tongue as a bitter, spicy and grassy taste takes hold of the late palate.

Medium light and on a fast pace drying track, the beer is effortless on the finish as a piquant but smooth bitterness doesn't come across as abrupt as expected. Cedar, pine and hay deliver a lingering bite to the throat but with moderate intensity as the peppery resins of hops easily outlast any fruit or malt impressions.