Northern Belle
Gateway City Brewery

From notes from up North

Appearance: Clear, barely brass color with low carbonation in the body that offered a thumb of head that did not lace or retain.

Smell: Chewy barley malt with a hint of smoked sausage. The smoke note improved with warming and I've noted Barley bun Hot Dog.

Taste: Subtle smoke permeates the beer as it starts with that chewy barley note and turns to a smoky black peppercorn and lemon hint before herbal hops round us out.

Mouthfeel: Low carbonation that I wish was sudsy experience. Decent transitioning with a black pepper aftertaste that holds a whiff of smoke.

Drinkability: On the lighter side of medium body, as the lower carbonation does help it settle down well. Has some good character, but some carbonation would do it wonders as it comes across as a bit flat and watery.

Final Thoughts: I noted this is a weaning beer, meaning this is the craft beer you give your Macro drinking buds when they are on their way into craft. Like the 3rd or 4th beer you given them, but likely not the first one for them. I thought it was pretty good and an interesting spin on Helles Lager.