Circus Boy

A distinctly fruity example of the style, redolent with notes of lush tropical fruit and bright, tangy citrus, Circus Boy is a complex, intriguing brew. It presents as a pale golden, notably hazy beer, with a surprisingly low head for the style. The aroma, though a bit incongruous for an American wheat beer, is seductive, with Tim praising the ripe banana and succulent mango notes floating over the expected biscuit-like malt and tangy wheat aromas. Among the fruity and malty notes, there is a subdued yeastiness, reminiscent of freshly baked bread. The flavor is dominated by a pronounced fruitiness riding over the top of the more traditional bready, somewhat spicy wheat notes. Nick detected a delicate peachy sourness, while Rick commented favorably on the subtle give-and-take among toasty malt, spritzy lemon zest and herbaceous hop flavors. The judges all commented on the slightly over-the-top fruitiness in this beer, which tended to overshadow the more refined clove-like and peppery spiciness in both flavor and aroma. Still, this is an artfully crafted brew, weaving fruit, malt and spice notes into an intricate tapestry of aromas and flavors. It conjures up images of sunny skies, white-sand beaches and azure Caribbean waters, making this the perfect beer for an impromptu waterfront fiesta.