Loft Life
Hackensack Brewing Company

 

No date on can but appears to have been released in October 2020. Poured into a pint glass. It pours an unusual color for the style: a cloudy dark iced tea color with a half finger of creamy, ecru-colored had and thick, clinging lacing. It's an attractive pour. The smell is rather subdued; it's primarily malty. The malt carries forward into the taste and provides initial sweetness that's immediately balanced by bitter, biting Simcoe hops. What's intriguing about this recipe is its use of Nelson hops, which contribute a dry, herbal taste that works well with the malt. While initially malty and bitter, as it warms I can taste some earthy, piney citrus. This ale finishes with lots of bitterness; all 70 IBU worth. It has a moderately creamy mouth feel with a pleasant level of carbonation, and the 8.2% ABV gives it good substance. Overall, Loft Life is a fine offering that manages to blend malt sweetness, tart citrus, and hop bitterness with finesse. This is a well-conceived and executed beer.