Citra Fresh Hop
The Hidden Mother Brewery

of all the killer fresh hop beers i had here, this one seems the least exciting, as well made as any of them, but citra by itself doesnt always pop in a wet hop context, at least not like their others do, seems maybe less stable over time somehow too, even short windows of time, and this drinks like a balanced pale ale, still obviously fresh hops, but its almost generic its so familiar, and while i appreciate the use of a simple pale malt profile and the employment of a clean ferment, it leaves the beer a little underwhelming overall, especially next to all their others. this is golden and clear and sturdy, the citra is identifiable in the nose, lemongrass and lemon curd, light melon as well, and some trace almost metallic minerals to it as it sits, low bitterness. the flavor is the same, herbal up front, generic citrus on the back end, some oiliness announcing its wetness, but nothing dramatic here. a wrinkle of juicy kiwi fruit, a light honey thing with the oils and the grain together, and explosive carbonation keeping it moving, but its also got a faint onion thing, a little textural heaviness for the flavors, and on the whole was not one of the standouts on their very impressive fresh hop menu, still excellent though. i feel like citra is an accent not a lead flavor with the wet hops, needs a partner or two, could be personal preference...