Predictably fine moderate-bodied pale ale with IPA aspirations brings floral-bound orange-peeled pineapple, grapefruit and mango tropicalia to the fore as light piney hop bittering settles below at soft white-breaded bottom. Subsidiary tangerine, mandarin orange and clementine illusions waver. On tap, citra-hopped version retained refreshing floral citrus spritz.
On tap at Doherty’s, colossal whiskey-bent espresso warmth (and mighty 18% ABV burn) secure French roast coffee continuance of remarkable stout. Below the surface, dark chocolate, cocoa, vanilla bean and molasses sweetness pleasantly contrasts sour-milked espresso bittering.
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead – Hoboken, candied raspberry entry picks up mild lemon rasp and wispy floral nuance above light white wheat backbone for soft-toned, off-dry hefeweizen hybrid. A bit soapy by the dissipated raspberry finish.
Robust dry porter brings roasted poblano and ancho chili peppering to dark chocolate-bound cocoa nibs center. But peppery roast loses steam as syrupy Blackstrap molasses sapping invades briny (oyster-shelled?) mocha creaminess.
Well-designed 2015 limited edition collaboration with Oregon’s Deschutes utilizes locally sourced sage and thyme as well as employee-grown hops to spice up toasted caramel malts, fig-sugared dried fruiting and dewy cereal-grained sweetness.
