Bonkers
Highland Park Brewery

 

Pours a lightly hazy apricot with a bubbly, uneven white head. Par for the course, but pretty! Lacing on the glass is somewhat lacking.

Aroma leaps out of the glass with big gobs of mango and freshly-cut pine tree. Lychee and a touch of petroleum sneak in there as well. Fresh, clean, and inviting.

Taste is far more focused and dry than the nose would suggest -- more pine sap, some pomelo, cara cara orange zest, all leading out to an oaky, bright, citrus-pith finish. I'm not saying "oaky" in a barrel-aged sense; I'm having a Proustian memory of leaning over and sniffing the plywood at the hardware store, in a good way. This one makes you sit up and take notice.

Mouthfeel is great, full of carbonation, but not so much that you can't roll the beer around in your mouth. Scrubbing bubbles all the way. The (7.3%!) alcohol is well-hidden, too.

Overall, this was truly enjoyable -- shades of Hop Wallop back from my Victory days. Please drive me over to Ricky's Fish Tacos and pour me another pint of this! Would that more people knew how to make IPAs like this. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

Pours perfectly clear golden amber with a foamy white head. Smells of grapefruit and pine, just as it should. Taste follows with a noticeable layer of candy sweetness and just a hint of butter. Feels crisp and fresh, very easy to drink. Overall, this is another wonderful beer from the fine folks at Highland Park, and one that I would welcome regularly. Cheers, and thanks again Jay!