Heavy Seas Beer Cross Bones
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What the brewers say
“Bursting with floral and citrus notes, this has a strong malt backbone to support all of that hoppy goodness. With its big body, smooth nish, and lingering citrus avor, it’s hard to believe that it’s 4.5 percent ABV.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “A touch of butterscotch immediately hints at diacetyl. Pine and resin hops aroma take over with oranges and herbs—perhaps some Mexican oregano. Grassy, earthy hops with woody undertones. Medium-toasted malt fruity esters of peach and cherry.”
Flavor: “Citrus fruit and pine hops flavor. Light malty, grainy flavor in the background. Oranges, grapefruit, and grass. Slight biscuity notes. Pleasant tart bitterness, then the butterscotch barrels in. Reminds me of the old days with Red Hook or Bert Grant’s beers. The diacetyl softens the palate, but is an acquired taste. The base beer seems good.”
Overall: “Could use more hops flavor to match the intensity of the bitterness. Buttery aroma was out of place. An enjoyable pale ale that calls itself an IPA. Earthy/dank undertones give the beer a gravity or heft, but the diacetyl is too dominant, relative to the hops.”
