120 Miles
New Trail Brewing Company

 

 

 

Observing the first pour of two twelve ounce cans into a clear glass liter mug, it looks much more like a foamy, rather than hazy IPA. Overall, New Trail gets hazies real good, as oats are used, barely is included and wheat only has an auxiliary role; at least in their many good ones. However, this is a collaborative effort, so there may be little confidence about this one. It has the awful forewarnings of an overly starched by wheat brew. The head is extremely foamy white, then dissipates quickly and unevenly, leaving spotty glass lacing. The wheat hazes the amber brew and adds opaqueness, but that's usually at the expense of taste and mouthfeel. The aroma is bland, almost devoid of discernible smells, so let's just say there's some hops there. Yet, it really doesn't taste bad and the mouthfeel is good. This may set the measure for difference between aroma and taste. A very pleasant surprise, because it carries some contrasting sweetness, usually only provided by barley malt, and a decently smooth body. Wheat dominated worts can't provide that. Overall, this is a fine DHIPA, OK, minus the least important visual. Not great, but at least adequate body and smoothness carry a wonderful balance of malty sweetness and sharply biting hops in an excellent balance. Despite warning signs from the eyes, this is delicious.

 

 

Poured into a grip shaped goblet: color is hazy straw gold, head is off white with fine bubbles, head presents 1 finger thick and then dissipates to solid top, some lacing.

Aroma is subdued on the initial - agitation and warmth bring forward light citrus rind, some tangerine, maybe some pineapple and mixed tropicals, light herbal and pine.

Taste is citrus and mixed tropicals, herbal and floral qualities, malt is not really noticeable but there is a sweetness that is bready from the oats and wheat. Strength is hidden in the sweetness but some estery alcohol notes come with warmth.

Mouthfeel is low carbonation, moderate sweetness, light/moderate bitterness, some booziness comes through with warmth.

This is a typical NT hazy DIPA - mixed tropicals, pineapple, and citrus with an herbal/piney note, fairly sweet and low carbonation.

Audibly fizzy... A finger's worth of plush bone white froth... Modest retention... Color is a hazy pale gold... Still with no discernible carbonation... Nose is citrus forward and highlighted by mango and guava... Flavor profile is a departure from the nose, but loaded with flavor and character... A much stronger than expect malt base presents itself in the form of biscuit and cracker... The hop profile is also a mix of mild citrus and some earthy dankness... The feel is dense but sleek... Light carbonation.. This is a really really beer and one of the better from the expedition packs... Cheers to New Trail and HRB (which I had never heard of but will be checking out)...

12 oz can

Hazy medium yellow golden color, thick white head, good head retention. Pleasant aroma of candied citrus fruit. Taste is similar - orange, lemon, a touch of lime, only moderate bitterness. Fuller bodied.

 

 

 

Softly sweet up front, bready grains and tangerine juice. The finish adds a bit more tropical fruit and light pine. There is a pleasant lingering pithy bite. Overall this is a bit too sweet for my taste.