Devils Backbone Striped Bass

Aroma: “Mild bitterness with light malt sweetness. Earthy-spicy lemon hops character, slightly grassy, very mild cracker malt. Some nice pine aroma, with stone fruit: peaches and cherry. With time, more citrus comes through.” Flavor: “Citrus is strong enough here to hit first, with an earthy, somewhat grassy, backdrop. Nice soft, grainy, and subtly sweet malt character. The hops pair well and add spicy and light citrus notes. Finishes super dry and slightly bitter with light cherry notes.” Overall: “Nice citrus character, almost delicate throughout, the aroma is really enticing with hints of lemon, pepper, and toasted malt. The flavor is similar, even if in the finish those flavors run together and miss the clarity of the best in this style.

Aroma: “Intense, luscious, juicy ripe tropical-fruit hops character—pineapple, mango, pine. Underlying sweetness leans toward Fanta Orange. Light, refreshing, bordering on NE IPA character. The big hops blast hides most of the malt aroma although some bready notes peek out.” Flavor: “Moderately fruity up front with melon, lemon, strawberry, and light white grape toward the end. A medium bitterness comes right after the fruit and grows throughout the sip. A light orange Creamsicle sweetness mixes with bitterness toward the end. Finish is soft, with a delicate mineral/chewy mouthfeel. It’s not particularly bitter, just enough to balance and accentuate the fruit on the swallow.” Overall: “This fits in with any of the lighter-bodied hazy IPAs that the cool kids like these days. It’s on the lighter side, so it’s easy drinking and refreshing yet very well-made and interesting, with delicate fruit notes throughout.”

**Aroma:** “This smells like a peanut butter and banana sandwich with a drizzle of honey, packed between two slices of toasted whole-wheat bread. Light fruity pear esters and some tart acidity. A hint of sulfur with a touch of paperboard oxidation.” **Flavor:** “Starts off with more of the peanut butter and banana sandwich, with a hint of honey. A soft wheat body, and the honey enhances the aromatics. Moderate and balanced hops flavors and bitterness, with notes of pine, cedar, and muted floral notes. Still a bit of paperboard oxidation. Moderately sweet and bitter but finishes reasonably dry.” **Overall:** “Not sure where the peanut butter comes from, but it’s really fun. Nicely balanced, crushable, and easy to drink. The honey is noticeable without taking over, and it works nicely with the wheat and hops bitterness to give it just the right balance.”