Thru-Hiker Summer Wheat
Long Trail Brewing Co.

 

 

I recently had the necessary impetus to head over to Brewer's Outlet off of Oregon Pike & I decided that while I was there, I would scour through their recently-instituted Mix 'n' Match section. I have plenty of beer in my backlog, but I am always curious to see what is available, often at very low prices. This was one of my finds.

From the Bottle: "Continue down the trail with our refreshing Summer Wheat Ale: Thru-Hiker is slightly sweet with a hazy body and notes of citrus, spice and fruity hops."; "Take a hike!(R)"; "Caretaker of Vermont Craft since 1989".

I began by Pop!ping the cap, but then I was kind of torn as to how to proceed. It was evincing great clarity in the bottle, so rather than take a chance on rousing any lees, I went with a very slow, gentle pour vice a C-Line pour as is my current usual wont. Since this did not cause the formation of much head, if any, I resorted to a vigorous in-glass swirl that raised just under two fingers of foamy, silky, bone-white head with decent retention, slowly falling away to wisps, but leaving nice lacing in its wake. Color was Yellow-Gold (SRM = 4 - 5) with NE-quality clarity, prompting an impromptu visit from The Gelt Gang of Mammon, Midas & Croesus, all clamoring for a sip. Nose smelled like spicy lemon zest or lemongrass or lemons and cardamom or seeds of paradise. Mmm. Man, this might be really good with an Oriental meal. I haven't been out for one in a while … Mouthfeel was thin-to-medium, not watery, but not terribly far past it, either. The taste was both very lemony and quite spicy, but with a dry, crackery backbone, It was almost reminiscent of a Pilsner in this regard. I am sure that it would be quite refreshing in the Summer, but even tonight, on a cold Winter night as snow is predicted later, it was quite tasty. Finish was semi-dry, but that made it all the more quaffable. If they would put this in CANs during the Summer, I'd be all set!

 

 

12 oz into modern pub. No date.
Nice cloudy golden look. Nose is yeasty. Taste is smooth with coriander and lemon. Feel is light. Overall good, but don't know if I'd seek it out.

Golden amber . eggshell white head of creamy foam that lasted slight haze. Nose is crisp wheat. light orange and a little lemon. no phenols at first . soft grassy hops and then some earthy sweet coriander. Drinks bubbly and with a faint fresh orange. finishes with a balanced hop that shows almost no bitterness that lets you see the tartness of the wheat malt.

Pours a pale hazy yellow. Frothy head. Smells like piss. Kind of bland for a summer wheat. Bitter and buttery with a flat finish. Not that refreshing.

 

Poured 12oz bottle into snifter glass. 5.2% abv.

Appearance- Pale straw yellow with moderate white foamy head slow to recede. Very hazy!

Smell- Wheaty, citric, hints of spices.

Taste- Grainy, crackery malt base with a steady build into a wheat centric flavor profile. Hops are evident in addition to the wheat, as orange peel is another flavor. Finishes bitter, yet spicy. Ends clove like, and also floral, with a touch of lavender.

Mouthfeel- Medium in body with active carbonation.

Overall- A lighter, yet full bodied hoppy wheat ale with some spices coming through. Right for the Summer as this was refreshing, and flavorful as well.

 

 

Good starting head which settles in a rocky fashion. White cloudiness with a pale gold dominant color.

Smells of grains of paradise (perhaps coriander?) and lavender.

Starts with a decent, lightly toasted pale malt flavor. I get more bitter lavender in the swallow along with traditional hop flavors. Short-ish aftertaste. Full-bodied but also highly carbonated. Light sweetness with a touch wheat in the finish.

12 oz bottle

A totally clear, straight golden color with subtle amber highlights. A thin, white foam cover happens fast and spreads out faster. Pretty much gone except for some scattered bubbles.

The aroma is all spicy golden wheat malt that has a sweet nature,
herbal mixture, nutmeg style spices and slightly fruity hops.

A crispy, sharp bite happens first, all very light golden wheat malt that bring peppery tones filled in with some big doses of herbs/spices and pepper. An earthy, dry-bitter hoppy punch kicks it up a notch and blends well with the peppery wheat. Pretty spicy and herbal for the style. Summer TIME!

 

 

Long Trail Brewing Co. Thru Hiker"
12 fl. oz. brown glass bottle; ink-jet production/dating code is illegible.
$2.29 @ Total Wine & More, Cherry Hill, NJ

Look: Cloudy golden -orange body beneath a thick head of white. Slightly better than average head retention but only average lacing.
Smell: Spicy, earthy. citrusy, and wheaty. Almost piney and minty.
Taste: Spicy, citrusy, earthy, fruity, wheaty, herbal, lightly sweetish, and dry in the finish with a firm bitterness and earth and spice and herbs lingering.
Feel: Medium leaning towards medium-light in body and gently bristling with an effervescent, fine-bubbled carbonation.
Overall: A unique and interesting wheat that's refreshing in its spiciness. I'm not sure what's in there but it's almost minty and piney, Charming!
Review# 6,039

 

On tap at the brewery