Fisherman's Thumb
Footbridge Brewery

 

Hmmm, lacks the expected haze and, in its place, has an opalescent glow. The beer itself has a murky-amber color (SRM 7-9). Two inches of loose foam holds at one and a half inches for a few minutes, then turns to seafoam. Thick lace forms on the walls of a StrangeBird IIPA glass. A fair amount of random carbonation lazily wanders in small crowds.

The aroma is similar to earthy, wet pine straw with sharp stabs of pine tar. Sun brewed tea is followed by faint malt. While not truly accurate, the aroma is more reminiscent of a West Coast IPA than the labled Northeast IPA.

The flavor is malt forward with a fair amount of pine straw. It is fairly bitter and earthy, with more of the sun brewed iced tea. The flavors are fairly close to the aroma. There is little to no sweetness, and it is very dry. The finish is long, building and retreating from assertiveness.

It has a medium to light body and the texture of slick silk. Alcohol is more present than the label suggests. It is nicely carbonated.

The label prepares one for the lace of haze. It really is much more of a pine-forward American IPA than a New England IPA. With this style in mind, it is fairly well done, however, just don't expect the juiciness or any of the other primary attributes of a New England IPA.

Very nice pale ale. Great flavor, feel and smell. Overall a delight.