Otter Chirp
New Trail Brewing Company

This brewery makes some of the best hazies outside of New England. There's little variation from one to another, but why fix what's not broken? This one is dense, but bright apricot-amber, as it rests inside a clear imperial pint glass. It had just resided inside a pint can before. There's no head at all. There's a nice tropical hop aspect for the nose, most likely thanks to the Simcoe strain. New Trail seems to have figured out the mix of wheat and oats that makes the lack of barley malt nearly unnoticed. The body is good and the mouthfeel is even better than one would expect from wheat and oats. The alcohol is noticed, but as an enhancement rather than a detriment. It's full flavored, with a nice hop presence that doesn't jolt the drinker with a blast of bitterness during the finish. Another "well done" to this brewery.

 

 

 

Undated can into pint glass. Pours a hazy medium gold with a nice off-white head. Good lacing. Initial impression is juicy mango, tangerine, and a bit of pine resin. Fairly sweet. Mouthfeel is medium and somewhat sticky. Finish fades to a slightly bittersweet citrus. Overall, a good middle-of-the-road NEIPA but nothing remarkable here.

 

Poured into a wide mouth grip shaped goblet: color is murky/hazy gold, head is brighter white and presents 1 finger thick, head lingers a solid thin top and light spotty lacing on the glass sides.

Smell is subdued but some citrus and onion, light berry, light malt.

Taste is similar with a fuller sweetness, but lower flavor depth - citrus, onion, berry, base malt, oats, light booziness.

Mouthfeel is low carbonation, moderate sweetness, lower bitterness.

Overall a typical DHIPA from NT - low carb, fairly sweet, lower aroma and muted flavor for the style.