Fifth Orbit
New Trail Brewing Company

This one was pretty good, does provide the higher octane punch but not ag the expense of flavor. Not one I'd drink everyday but this is good sippe with loads of great flavors.

 

 

 

 

The pour to empty the contents of a pint can into a clear glass Imperial pint mug works nicely. There's some modern starchy white foam, but in this case, it's not excessive. The brew is honey-amber and although opaque, it's not dull, nor murky. There's plenty of hops, piney, resinous and even citrusy to smell. Playing second fiddle to the hops, there are starches to be smelled, but they're not nearly as prominent. Obviously, at least some barley malt has been replaced or reduced by other grains. The mouthfeel is remarkably soft, the hop hit is, unfortunately, also soft and the taste of the alcohol hits pretty hard. In fairness, it's difficult to mask an ABV of 11.5%, especially without much barley malt. There is some noticeable sweetness, likely a combination of the alcohol and the starches, believed to be largely oats. Overall, this is a heavy hitter without much of a hoppy bite, but with a bit of an alcohol burn in a moderately fruity and almost unbelievably soft delivery.

Undated can into pint glass. Pours a quite hazy honey color with a persistent off-white head. Good lacing. Initial impression is caramel malts, citrus, and a touch of pine resin. Mouthfeel is smooth, thick, and sticky. Finish fades to slightly sweet resinous citrus rind. Overall, a very enjoyable DIPA.

A little less than a full fingers worth of crisp bone white froth comprised of medium sized chunky bubbles... Modest retention... Color is a moderately hazed medium yellowish gold... Interesting mix of hops on the nose... Part lemony, part piney... More complexity emerges on the palate... Tropical fruits and melon... Candied sugars... A slight hint of lemon... Full bodied, dense and lush... Ultra smooth... Very nice beer... This anniversary beer has become on of my favorite annual offerings...