Tropical Vacay
Ballad Brewing

There doesn't seem to be a date on the bottom of this can.

Appearance: The body is a somewhat darker shade of bronze that is extremely hazy in an almost muddy way. Very hazy and indecipherable shadows are visible through it. The head is medium-large in size with an off-white color that has a hint of tobacco stained yellow to it. It has excellent head retention and it leaves nice fluffy lacing.

Aroma: There is a bit of lemon and pine aroma. It has just a touch of cabbage scent but it mostly hast this lemon and pine which is enough to smell but it is muddled.

Taste: Pine and lemon come through up front. It is punchy. Some sour cherry and orange come through right after that. Grapefruit comes in next with a bit of passion fruit. It finishes with a strong lime flavor with hints of blood orange. Pine and lime linger on the palate. It has a ton of flavor.

Mouthfeel: The beer feels oddly heavy on the palate with a body that feels nearly medium. Bitterness is very high and it feels like it has a strong acidity. It is more of a sipper and the overall texture of the beer reduces drinkability.

Overall: The label states that this is a "JUICY WINTER IPA THAT FEATURES HINTS OF TROPICAL CITRUS, PINEAPPLE AND MANGO HOP FLAVORS." While mango and pineapple weren't really present in this beer it definitely has a lot of fruit notes, and they're not only hinted at. This thing is packed with flavor, especially for a beer that isn't made with any fruit. Where the beer starts to fall apart is in the mouthfeel. The bitterness and perceived acidity were at odds with the heavy body and it just didn't drink very well. I probably wouldn't buy it again but I enjoyed it for its nice flavors. It's not a beer I would recommend off the cuff but it is possible that it some people might not find the texture as cumbersome and will enjoy it more.