Solace
Autodidact Beer

 

 

On draught at the brewery. Pint pour served in a Willi Becher glass. It's an unusual color for an IPA - a muddy apricot - and it sports a half finger of fluffy, ecru colored cap and thick lacing. A very attractive pour. The nose features ripe melon, lemon, lime, and tropical fruit, along with grassy, herbal, earthy notes. Its taste offers dank, ripe cantaloupe, tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit over a firm, sweet malty base, with hints of pine, herbs, and black pepper. As it warms, there is an additional sweetness from the grist (oats?). There is mild bitterness throughout. It's well-balanced and flavorful. The mouth feel is plush and creamy with a pleasant level of carbonation, and the 8% ABV gives it good substance without distracting. Overall, Solace is an excellent DIPA; a recipe well-conceived and executed. I look forward to drinking it through January.