Judge’s Review: 93 Rating - Slingshot by Shmaltz Brewing Co.

Slingshot by Shmaltz Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Blonde Ale (Category 18A) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines. 

Golden with a slight chill haze, a pristine white foamy head crowned this beer, and held firmly for a good long while. The fluid bubbles rising to the surface brought forth the pleasant aromas noted.

Aromas of light fruity ester notes of crisp red apples, citrusy hops with a tangerine like finish. Honey malt and biscuit complexity. Pleasant and clean, with a very inviting quality. A light toast quality came through on the second sample pour, indicating it’s layered malt character.

Biscuit malt with a touch of graininess that left little residual sweetness on the palate. The hop flavor is balanced and secondary to the malt. The hop character is citrusy, has yellow grapefruit with light some lemon peel. A subtle balance to the Blonde Ale style. No alcohol detected in the flavor, indicating it’s subtle strength. Clean with a short dry finish. The bitterness increases from medium to medium-high as the beer warms up.

Medium body and carbonation gives this beer a pleasant mouthfeel with no sharp edges of alcoholic warmth, or astringency. A low degree of creaminess adds to the pleasantries.

An excellent example of the style, hitting all the hallmarks. Fresh, and easy drinking with a malt forward complexity that is balanced by a citrus, and low spicy hop character. Don’t hesitate to drink this beer now, because freshness counts!