Fake Plastic Trees

Breweries seem to struggle with what to name beers these days -- is it an IPA? A pale ale? An American Wheat? In this case, whatever you want to call it, the answer is "a great beer that's an excellent seasonal offering."

This "Hoppy Wheat" beer pours a hazy gold, with a fluffy white head. The nose is heavy on citrus, with lots of lemon (probably from the Sorachi Ace that I now know it has!) and orange notes. As it warmed, it picked up an interesting hint of lavender, and a bit more of a grainy malt character. It was a little thin in the aroma, though, either due to age or a slight excess of carbonation -- still really nice, but just a bit muted.

The flavor matched the aroma neatly, with grain, citrus and fennel (which sounds weird, but made me immediately start thinking of things I could pair this beer with). It also had a medium-solid level of bitterness, and finished quite dry (maybe a little too dry).

I freely admit to evaluating this beer while on vacation, but it made a great fit for a day at the beach! The flavors are bright and pleasant, there's a noticeable bitter bite, and I gladly finished the entire 16-oz. can. If you want a good summer beer, give this a try instead of a more run-of-the-mill summer ale or yet another IPA.