Symposium
The Test Brewery

Picked this up a few months back at Strangeways on Metropolitan Ave in Brooklyn, before I went out on my latest run across America. Loved the label and the chance to chat with someone who had a hand in making this, as this was a nice debut effort that was fun, easy to drink, and straddled the line nicely between an Double and a Sour IPA.

The blood orange presence was strong here as this poured a deep red that crossed over with grapefruit and was plenty tangy both in the nose and in the taste. Lots of fluffy head topped it off as the carnation contrasted nicely with the murkier and darker liquid although the lacing left behind was nearly nonexistent, except for a few scattered spots. Plenty sour and floral on the palate, the aroma was a muted version of that as this was nicely balanced and well-carbonated without coming across as overdone. Just the right amount of milk sugar and Citra here with the sweetness and hops not being potent, but still easily felt as the oats and barley gave this more body that I was accustomed to for this style.

The alcohol was nicely recessed as I only felt it as I was finishing this up as the sweetness lingered in the aftertaste long after everything else receded. No date was on the bottom of the can but I obtained this fresh as it held up well over the last three months. This was enjoyable and a nice first effort from The Test Brewery - here's to a permanent home for them in the near future!