Illusion of Society V.2
Smoldered Society Beer Company

Looking around at the systems that govern our lives, its easy to stop and think about wether any of it is worth the hassle. With such despair, destruction and confusions, at least there’s a beer that’s just rosy.

Pouring turbidly cloudy, the second rendition of Smoldered Society’s Illusion of Society certainly smells floral with a bright citrus, tropical, botanical and herbal perfume that hovers above a stiff sepia froth. A creamy and sweet taste make flavor introductions with bold cereal grains wrapped in honey, shortbread and a hint of vanilla.

As the hops spring to life, the middle palate showcases the varieties of cashmere, Motueka, Citra, Sabro and then Phantasm Powder all tell a fruity tale of candied orange, pink grapefruit, lemon, mango, pineapple, passionfruit and apricot in a vivid fruit cocktail. Trending softly bitter, the creamy sweetness holds serve and refuses to back down from the hops. As hints of spruce, tea leaf, verbena, sassafras and fruit peels attempt to balance, the session remains malty and sweet.

Full bodied and remaining creamy until the end, the ale finishes on the malty side of balance and with a spicy alcohol and hop interplay in a long cereal, fruity finish.