Cigar City Golden Ale

Aroma: “Spicy pear and rose esters and light citrus and herbal hops, underlaid by neutral husky malt. Going deeper, it takes on subtle tangerine, grapefruit, and lemongrass hops aromas.” Flavor: “Bright, crisp malt sweetness up front, but well-balanced with fruity esters and floral-hops character. Neither lingers too long. The beer starts very bright and strong but almost immediately mellows and dissipates, encouraging more sips. Spicy pear esters, light citrus and herbal hops, and grainy malt lead to a smooth slightly dry finish.” Overall: “Body is as light as most American lagers, but the esters differentiate this as an ale. It’s very restrained and confident, not trying to do too much, but every sip is satisfying.”

Aroma: “Oak notes up front with hints of white grape, orange, and lemon. Floral and spicy hops character comes through. A kind of coriander perfume bridges the gap between the citrus up front and the underlying spice. A hint of barnyard funk.” Flavor: “Delicate and bright. There is a light sweetness that carries throughout the taste, then fades into low bitterness and low acidity. Citrus, perfume, and spice with bready malt. Definite Brett character, but enough residual malt that it’s a nice accent. Well-balanced.” Overall: “This beer drinks like a wine. Delicate and light with some nice fruity notes of white grape, orange, apple, and pear. The barrel character expresses itself in the aroma but not in the flavor. My sample was too small. I want a bottle to take home.”

“Aroma is piney and has berry fruit. Strawberries, papaya, peach, pine resin, grapefruit, woodland berries with hints of raspberry in the flavor. Moderate levels of carbonation allow the hop flavors to pop against a saltine or white-bread malty backbone. Well-balanced and finishes slightly dry.”