Rag Top
Bert's Brewing

Good flavor,nice aroma

tasty and light, they called it a summer west coast ipa i think, and im not sure i would go that far with this, its still rather robust overall and the hops dont take me on vacation or anything, but its another drinkable and well made beer from these guys, who continue to impress me much more often than not and have become a staple in our local brewery visit rotation. blonde and crystal clear, white headed and airy, super polished, which has been a theme here. the nose is a little nondescript on the hops side, like i expected this to be more interesting, not that its bland or weak, its not, its just a little samey, light pine, maybe a hint of sage, dried lemon rind, but its not bright or distinctive, subdued to some bitterness thats apparent, not green or overdosed, but this could stand a dry hop, or a more prominent one, that aromatic element seems muted even though the beer is hoppy outwardly, its more flavor than aroma by a mile, and even in the taste the hops seem almost overly familiar, i expected poppy citrus or even terpene fruitiness, but thats not the case at all, its oily pine and early onset bitterness, punchy but not abrasive. the proportions are good and this has more grain flavor than its color suggests, good minerality too, their water chemistry often seems so dialed, this is almost gone on the swallow, clean and dry, even the bitterness is fast at the end. i didnt find this overly summery, i think that was a stretch with the naming of the beer, but it tastes good and professionally made, even if i think the hops could use a bit of a character pick me up. did anyone else expect this to have just a bit more going on with the hops, more interest? a beer that is at once bold and bland, how curious...

Draft at Bert's. Clear golden pour, small foamy white head. Fruity, grainy aroma with a little pine. Taste is hoppy, a little citrus, a little pine. Really full feel with light bitterness at the finish