Aroma: “Light citrus and pine hops grounded with bready crystal malt. Nice fresh malt character—toasted muffin with a hint of molasses. Toast and caramel, some dark-fruit note. Slightly sweet. Medium stone-fruit or pear esters.”

Flavor: “They stick the landing—strong toasty crystal malt with a moderate hops bitterness and flavor (although the hops seem somewhat oxidized). The finish is dryish (crackery), letting the earthy bitterness come to the forefront, but it’s still pretty mild. Got a slight plastic note and some astringency in the finish.”

Overall: “Very much a hops-forward

amber ale. No surprises, but a solid

example. Nice bready start with medium body but finishes rougher than expected with a slightly astringent finish. As a result, it comes across as slightly unbalanced.”