Sun King Brewing Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale
What the brewers say
Combines smooth malt character with the flavors of vanilla and orange, all with a crisp, clean finish.
What our panel thought
Aroma: Orange creamsicle, orange creamsicle... oh, and a light note of orange creamsicle. Heavy-handed vanilla. Flavors are muted by comparison. Slight malt attempts to hold it together. Underlying acidic edge and pith. One-dimensional. An Orange Julius beer. A nice grapefruit-hops element bolsters the finish.
What our editors thought
Full-on orange creamsicle nose with chalky Pez—intense, overpowering. The sip is more restrained: a touch of grainy malt, orange notes, light sweetness. Flavor ends up unsupported and thin, given the aromatic intensity.