Party Glasses
Hop Atomica

a style we so rarely see, way cool these guys are making one, and to have it on tap at the brewery and then in the bottle a day later was super cool, different in each format, but obviously the bottle conditioning is supposed to be a big part of these, and it ends up actually kind of being a weakness, like that element isnt great despite the beer overall being super cool, i unexpectedly think i liked the draft better, brighter somehow in that format, but this is something to be celebrated not picked apart. much clearer and lighter looking from the tap, a bit more sediment mixed into the bottle pour, decent carbonation to both but not quite as excited as i think of when i think of this style, not like champagne, but it stays well carbonated throughout. the aroma is cool because this is actually done with grapes, or grape juice rather, pinot gris and chardonnay, and i can smell them easily, floral and tart, pear and green apple, nice earthy minerality, not a ton from the grain here, but the alcohol and the fruit together make it vinous yet still somewhat delicate. the flavor sags just a bit from the best of these, still grapey and mineral forward and without a ton of maltiness to it despite its strength, the booze isnt hot but its there, white pepper and coriander notes too, white tea, light acidity too, tannins, some lingering sugar as well like this could have even fermented a bit more believe it or not. i think the best examples of the style are cleaner and more lively, but im glad this exists and think it a fine effort, love the grape-centric nature of the flavor. close to amazing, i wish more brewers would tackle this difficult project. bottles could be better conditioned, disgorged, topped up, whatever, and the cork and cage on this was a mess, but the liquid is cool. appreciate our experience here tremendously...