You, Me & the Bees
Black Canyon Brewing

one of my favorite beers from our visit here, which is saying a lot because all the beer was awesome. not sure what they are calling the base beer, a slightly stronger blonde or golden seems about right, really not much to the ferment or anything that i am picking up, instead its about the use of this honey, which is wonderful in here, not too impeded by heavy malt, estery yeast, or bold hopping, so in some ways the base beer is appropriately simple, but without being so minimal that this is one dimensional, again a thoughtful and excellent recipe choice here. its richer almost reddish honey colored in the glass, lively looking, and floral in the nose, traces of clover and lavender to me, sweet but not overly so, pollen and wax and the rawer honey elements, maybe mountain sage, some herbal bitterness i think, light white wine too, really dynamic, the honey does a lot in here, and seems to keep so much of its identity. the flavor follows, slightly sweet but only up front, supported by faint nuttiness from the malt but its balanced and not heavy for its strength. definitely floral, uplifting, medicinal, springy, dandelion heads, clover flowers, maybe jasmine or something, really as flavorful as its fragrant. sweetness on the finish and a rush of herbal honey coming back after each sip, clean enough on the ferment, minimally hoppy. i loved this one, high carbonation, medium body, full honey character. gorgeous beer, i hope this place gets the credit and buzz (pun intended!) it deserves!