A taste of... Wolaver’s Organic India Pale Ale

Otter Creek Brewing
793 Exchange St.
Middlebury, Vermont, USA 05753
(800) 473-0727

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Wolaver’s India Pale Ale was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a LOT # number on the neck: LOT2593110309.

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A slightly hazy bright amber, well carbonated brew is topped with a fairly dense light parchment white head of small and tiny bubbles. The Belgian lace is casually constructed.

Aroma: First impression is a spring morning new-mowed lawn freshness. A second visit finds a grain sensation. Third visit reveals a relationship between the two previous flavor voices. Between lip and sip there was/was not a sudden surprise.

Mouth feel: Any impression of body is hijacked by the first sexy sting of hop flavor.

Flavor: First there is a hop bitterness that is almost biting. A second sip reveals a sturdy foundation of roasted sugar candy that lets the hops maintain its swagger but sets a framework for the hops. A third sip has all the parties in step and the taste receptors sense a harmony and all is right with this part of the world.

Finish: No sweet kiss goodbye from this brew… a bittersweet farewell.

Comments: In context with the rest of the Wolaver’s line of brews this would be the one comes closer to an India Pale Ale than any of the others. That said, it is a refreshing brown ale that should feel right at home with an organic household.

Food & Beer: This brew would be my choice of beverage on a hot summer day with an organic bacon, lettuce and tomato (heirloom) sandwich on brewer’s grain bread.


The Brewery: http://www.ottercreekbrewing.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/119/399

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