The Bee’s Knees
The Friendly Fermenter

Almost clear, dull brass (SRM 4-5) with a 2.5" frothy, off-white head. Chunky patches of that head cleave to the sides of a Strangebird IIPA Glass while the nucleation site sends up a plume of carbonation.

The hops are strong and earth with pine resin. Caramel and honey follow, never obscuring the pine resin.

Well, it is quite bitter, West Coast bitter too. The malt caramel is up to the challenge, with the sweetness putting-up a good effort. The honey is light, building with warmth yet never becoming more than an accent. Pine flavor blends with apricot. The finish is powerful and long, ramping-up the bitterness considerably. Extended warmth softens the bitterness while building on the caramel and honey, transforming the beer to something more in the traditional British vein.

The full body has a blunt, smooth texture, resembling soft rubber, yet I'm also thinking of lush fur. It's a strange sensation. Alcohol is as labeled, with no heat. It is very dry, astringency is modest, and the carbonation is soft. There is a light sugary residue building on the lips.

The Bee's Knees has a nice progression, as warmth allows it to transform entirely from one variant of IPA to another. Personally, I appreciate both variations, and prefer the latter. Globally, anyone interested in range should enjoy this offering.