Draught tulip at Sunset Grill on 9/25/07
Thin, but dense off-white head is well-retained, leaving light lacing. Medium clarity in this peachy-gold colored beer, with ample carbonation.
Tremendously hoppy nose is full of lush grass and herbs, with almost an afterthought of very light pine. Some minor tropical fruit notes can be found too. Though it’s quite dominant in aroma (and flavor), I can’t deny it’s very enjoyable. Add to this the soft banana, mild wheat and medium-dry toffee notes that break through, and you’ve got some type of German IPA, you might say. With each sniff, I get something different, sometimes lemon/lime, sometimes hickory nuts, sometimes pineapple or even cherries. The well-attenuated malts allow the hops room to roam, but you can sense a solid backbone of pale malts and only light medium malts (toffee, as mentioned). Medium-high strength of aroma, with no flaws or alcohol.
Just as vividly hoppy in flavor, though, with a superb maltiness that manages to provide both a soft, supple body and balance to the (low) bitterness of the hops. Not much balance is needed, because they’re mostly finishing hops, thankfully, though there is a moderate lemony punch on the finish from the acidity. Creamy wheat and vanilla/honey-like pale malts work perfectly with the succulently grassy, fruity, juicy hops. Mild carbonation, but enough to boost the drinkability. Very good, much more focused/cohesive than its counterpart (though I need to try that one again).