Black Shirt Brewing Stringbender

**Aroma:** “Orange, tangerine, and a bit of tropical fruit. Spicy peppery note up front with a touch of lemon in the background. As it warms, a slight vegetal note mixed with a high fruitiness. Spices start to dissipate.” **Flavor:** “Citrus and tropical esters dominate with low clove and pepper spice and a bit of white bread malt/yeast character. High carbonation with a big fruitiness—almost banana-like in the beginning. Flavor is gone as soon as the sip is over. Moderate bubblegum-like note throughout the sip. Medium sweetness and dry finish.” **Overall:** “Very clean and citrus-forward with a bit of clove and pepper. Although very solid, enjoyable, and easy drinking, it also seems very safe and straightforward. Once it warms, the banana notes are replaced with a bubblegum-like note mixed with a low lime. Good beer, but the flavors are somewhat muted and lack the intensity of the best in this category.”

Aroma: “Raspberry character is strong and jammy. Slightly tart with hints of floral hops and only a touch of grain.” Flavor: “More raspberry. Slight moderate sweetness into slight acidity and very low bitterness. Well-balanced with a nice interplay of malt, fruit, and clean hops. Finish is pleasantly dry and crisp with a smack of tart. The quality of the raspberry flavor is fantastic—natural, deep, and nuanced.” Overall: “The raspberry is pleasant and noticeable but not over the top or cloyingly sweet. A bit thin, but a nice, easy-drinking summer beer for someone who doesn’t want something heavy-handed. It avoided the cliché of sweet fruit beer and almost shifts a bit too far to the opposite end of the spectrum, where you find yourself wanting a touch more sweetness.”

**Aroma:** “Light lemon and orange, spice, and floral notes, with a low, sweet Pilsner malt. Slight pepper phenolics and floral characters underneath that quickly become more complex as it warms. Unique fruity hops and an interesting herbal note.” **Flavor:** “Initially, a sugary malt character, with medium-low orange notes. Nice Pilsner malt character, with some delicate biscuit, almost like toasted cracker. Prominent hops bitterness throughout, with some lingering astringency. Good carbonation and finishes clean and refreshing.” **Overall:** “The SweeTart candy flavor balances nicely with the hops bitterness and the floral, peppery notes. Finishes fairly bitter and cleanses the palate, making you want another sip. Well-crafted, well-executed beer that was happily enjoyed.”