Deep Ellum Brewing Co. Neato Bandito

Aroma: “Sweet biscuit notes mixed with grapefruit, tangerine, strawberry, melon, and just a touch of apple, pear, and bubblegum.” Flavor: “Sweet caramel malt with some biscuit. A light hops spice character in the melon and berry family emerges before it finishes a bit sweet and quite dry (almost wine-like) with some esters of stone fruit—plum and cherry. Very restrained bitterness.” Overall: “A very light, caramel malt– and fruity esters–forward beer. The laundry list of ester notes contribute some perception that the beer isn’t as crisp as one might expect for a blonde, and the experience gets a bit muddled relative to others in the style, but those are small quibbles for an otherwise enjoyable beer.”

**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.”

**Aroma:** “Light citrus and tropical fruit—tangerine and mango with a dash of pineapple. Light and delicate esters of pear and rose. Lemon, hay, bits of pine, and rustic earth. Some cheese as it warms. Slight papery oxidation begins to come out as the hops dissipate.” **Flavor:** “Soft and delicate with a malty sweetness mid-palate. Hops bitterness is mellow but sufficient to put this in the IPA range. Herbal, woodsy, and earthy—might make for a great mushroom sauce. Malt body is well-rounded, supple, and welcome.” **Overall:** “Very drinkable and refreshing. If you like hops that err on the side of earthy and woodsy, give this one a try. I’d like to use this to make a pan sauce with sauteed mushrooms. Bitterness is firm but nicely restrained. Nice flavor—fruity citrus and pine. A bit too light to mask the oxidation, but it’s a straightforward example of the style.”