Small Worlds is a new collaboration with Raleigh’s Funguys Brewing. Last summer, Nick and Carly hosted us to brew I’ll Come Crushing, a Peacharine dry-hopped pilsner for Merge Records’ 35th anniversary. Small Worlds was conceived as a complement to that beer: It’s similarly 5.1%, and it also showcases Freestyle Hops’ prized Peacharine hops. But instead of a clear and crisp lager, it’s a lush and juicy pale ale.

The grist for Small Worlds leans into soft silkiness, heavy on both malted and rolled oats to bolster a pilsner malt base. The pale ale received a hearty whirlpool addition of Motueka and Citra, and then an IPA-sized dry hop of Peacharine and Citra. Citra brings its familiar melon and papaya. Motueka sprinkles a hint of tropical lime. And New Zealand-grown Peacharine, the star of the show, elevates the hop profile with a swirl of nectarine, white grapefruit, ripe apricot, and red plum. Worlds of flavor in a small package.

Small Worlds draws its name from an eponymous song by the late, great Mac Miller. Mac is a patron saint of sorts for Funguys. He’s the inspiration behind numerous of their beers and seltzers, and every year Nick and Carly celebrate his birthday with a Mac Miller Day at the brewery. That date just happens to fall this month — January 19th.

It also felt like a fitting name since we became friends with our fellow East Coasters at a festival… in Dallas, Texas. And they originally hail from the Pittsburgh area… just like Jack and Rich.