Fayuca Rizing

Fayuca Rizing by Helio Basin Brewing Co. is being judged as BJCP Category 18B American Pale Ale and served in a shouldered pint glass at 43^oF.

The beer comes to me showing a deep gold/light amber color with a faint haze; a big, creamy, off-white head of fine bubbles lasts a long time. Conditioning appears solid, evidenced by a number of persistent threads of gas rising through the column.

A very bright and forward citrus (lime) and piney resin aroma dominate the nose with a light grassy and fruity backstop; only modest malt character comes though initially. After a couple minutes (and some warming and swirling) a little honey and light caramel emerge creating a pretty classic hop-forward American Pale Ale aroma: assertive but not near over-the-top. Very inviting.

A light, biscuity front goes to a big and firm bitterness that quickly opens up mid-palate flavors of peaches and pine: a light malty/estery backbone spiced up with classic citrus and piney/resin notes with a fresh and sweet fruit counterpoint reminiscent of slightly hard mangoes. Body is medium-to-light — perfect for a golden/low caramel interpretation of the style. The finish is light and dry but long on both grainy/honey malt and lingering hop flavors where an almost perfect balance forms. Overall the beer is bitter and quite hoppy, but the light graininess provides excellent structure making for a truly delicious and drinkable ale.

I could see this beer being a good partner over a night of darts where after the first pint — which tastes excellent — all the next ones taste even better, with or without the pub food. Outstanding.