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Xül Beer Co.

 

An unspecial New England IPA. Aroma is the best characteristic of this beer with lots of pone and pineapple aromas. The taste and mouthfeel are reflective of my common criticisms for this style, which is brewers go too far resulting in chalkiness, coating and a lack of brightness in the flavors.

 

 

6-week-old can poured into a tulip. My second Xul beer to date, and I really loved the first one (Paper Crowns).

Look is again quite quintessential (for a hazie, even though it isn't categorized as such here) with a beautiful, glowing orange-gold body, fully opaque but not murky at all. The initial head was pretty sparse but some concerted swirling of the glass brought forth a half-finger of extremely creamy white head. Nice rings of soapy lacing down the glass. Aroma profile is fairly mild and un-noteworthy, at least some of which may be attributable to the age of the beer. Citrus and tropical fruits, heavy grassiness, a touch of confection sugar, light grain, light mint, and a little stone fruit at the end -- a lot of similar components to Paper Crowns, but not as pungent or delightful. Taste is very juicy and ruby red grapefruit heavy, with a really nice balance of semi-sweetness and hop-juice bitterness. Some herbal, mineral, and green notes, Finishes fairly dry with a slight pithy bite. Heavier stone fruit towards the backend, which is a little overripe. Feel isn't as creamy as Paper Crowns and a bit thinner, but still very soft and silky.

It's not up there with Paper Crowns, but I will be curious to try a fresher can at some point to see if that perks up the aroma profile and closes the gap a bit. Regardless, it's still a rock solid beer, especially at 6.5%.