Diplomatic Strategery
Meier's Creek Brewing Company

 

 

Meh. It was okay. Everyone here in Central N.Y. seems to be creating multiple versions of nominal NEIPAs. This is one of them, indistinguishable from a dozen others locally - at least to my palate.

First, the label name reads "Diplomatic Strategery", which likely comes from comedians having a poke at President George W. Bush. Research wasn't done to determine whether the name has been changed, or if someone's spell check got in the way. So the pint can with the mostly gray label is eventually emptied into a clear glass Imperial pint mug. The color is a murky orange-amber, very dense and opaque, with a solid off-white head that endures and leaves lacing inside of the glass.The hoppy aroma is reminiscent of tropical fruit, such as mango. The onset taste is also somewhat fruity, reminiscent of tropical fruit, such as mango. There's plenty of malt to add even more sweetness and carry both hops and the overall sweetness very nicely. At the finish and then lingering, comes some good counterbalance of bitter hops to make this a more pleasurable drink. The 7.5% ABV is just slightly noticeable, but adds rather than detracts from the overall taste. The best NEIPAs are soft, rather than sweet, like this. So, this isn't among the best in its style. It is drinkable and brings its own character. Put this into the not bad, but not elite category. However, if you prefer a fruity type of taste in your IPA, you shouldn't be disappointed here.
P.S. A nod of credit must be given to comedian Frank Caliendo, Jr. who managed to do George W. Bush so well and without overt malice, he was invited to do his impersonation of the president with his target in the audience at the 2006 Radio and Television Correspondence Dinner. His other great wittisism in the persona of W. was "you don't have to be a rocket surgeon...".

 

Thick hazy orange body with a finer of off-white foam. Aromas of orange juice, lemon zest, pineapple, overripe grapefruit and starfruit with very light hops. Taste has the hops be more present with dankness, but this is mostly straight juice bomb, tropical notes take a backseat to citrus for sure, little hop burn on finish as it warms. Feel is super juicy, refreshing, light and bright. Solid neipa but missing the pop factor

Looks like fresh squeezed orange juice with a thin white head. Lots of citrus in the nose. Goes down smooth with a chewy mouthfeel.