Stone Brewing Releases Enjoy By 10.31.16 Tangerine IPA

Posted on by mashingin

103116_enjby_hero_webStone Brewing Co. (Escondido, California) recently announced that Stone Enjoy By 10.31.16 Tangerine IPA has officially arrived to take care of all of your Halloween libation needs.

To standout from a market that is currently overcrowded with pumpkin-spiced brews, Stone Brewing is taking a different approach by releasing Stone Enjoy By 10.31.16 Tangerine IPA as their Halloween-themed offering.  This variation starts with a foundation of the 12 hop varietals found in the regularly released beers from the Stone Enjoy By IPA Series, and then amps up the citrus notes thanks to the addition of “a hefty amount of puréed tangerines.”  This treatment creates “upfront aromas of citrus and fruit . . . followed by a nice hop bitterness and hints of alcohol warmth.”

“Nothing is better than our Stone Enjoy By IPAs tasted fresh, right off the bright tank, and we want our fans to be able to share that experience,” said Jeremy Moynier, senior innovation program manager. “Our brewing team is especially proud of this beer. Twelve varietals of hops are perfectly balanced with puréed tangerines to give this beer some serious aroma and flavor. This is a great spin on Stone Enjoy By IPA!”

Stone Enjoy By 10.31.16 Tangerine IPA officially headed out to distribution on September 26th and will be available through the month of October (while supplies last).  Look for this one in 22 oz. bombers, 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft at select craft beer retailers in Alabama, Florida and throughout Stone Brewing’s national distribution area.  This offering is meant to be consumed fresh, so be sure to finish these bombers off by Halloween.  Prost!

Vital Information for Stone Enjoy By 10.31.16 Tangerine IPA from Stone Brewing Co.

Release – Limited, beginning September 26
Style – Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 9.4%
IBUs – 90
Hops –  Nugget, Super Galena, Simcoe, Amarillo, Delta, Target, Cascade, Citra, Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, Motueka & Helga
Availability – 22 oz. bottles, 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles, & on draft
Distribution – AL, FL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA & WI

Racer X DIPA Makes Seasonal Return for Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Posted on by mashingin

racerx-copy-copyBear Republic Brewing Co. (Sonoma County, California) recently announced that Racer X Double IPA is making its highly anticipated, annual return during the month of October.

Created as the much bigger brother to the brewery’s flagship Racer 5 India Pale Ale, Racer X Double India Pale Ale is a true California take on English brewing traditions.  This offering boasts an “assertive hop aroma and bitterness” thanks to Cascade, Columbus, and Centennial hops utilized during both the kettle and dry-hop stages.  Although it may be a lupulin-laden experience, Racer X still retains a firm malt backbone to display “balance in a bottle.”  The final beer weighs in at 8.3% ABV and a whopping 100+ IBUs.

“Racer X is bold with a California spin,” said Bear Republic Brewmaster/COO, Richard “Ricardo” Norgrove.  “It really embodies the role of big brother to Racer 5 with flavorful hops and a sleek, strong malt base.”

Racer X Double IPA officially released on October 1 at Bear Republic’s Healdsburg brewpub, and it is now rolling out with very limited availability to select retailers, bars, and restaurants in Florida and throughout the brewery’s full distribution footprint.  Look for this offering to turn up in 22 0z. bottles and on draft. Expect Racer X to disappear with a quickness, so get yours while you can. Prost!

Vital Information for Racer X Double IPA from Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Release – Limited, beginning October 1
Style – Double India Pale Ale
ABV – 8.3%
IBUs – 100+
Hops – Cascade, Centennial & Columbus 
Availability – 22 oz. bottles and draft
Notable Awards: Four-time winner at the California State Fair, with three silver medals and one bronze
Beer Finder – https://bearrepublic.com/bear-tracker/

Three Variants of Dragon’s Milk Released by New Holland Brewing

Posted on by mashingin

dmr_vc_4pkside_2016-232x300New Holland Brewing Co. (Holland, Michigan) recently announced that three very enticing variations of their wildly popular Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout are headed out to distribution this month.

The long-lasting success of year-round Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout has led the good folks at New Holland Brewing to explore new treatments for this fan-favorite offering.  Building upon the previous releases that established the Dragon’s Milk Reserve Series earlier this year, the brewery has announced the release of the following three variants headed out to market this October:

  • Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Vanilla Chai, Stout Aged in Oak with Vanilla Chai Spices – Combines robust malt character with the luxurious nuance of sweet Chai. Aged in white-oak bourbon barrels, Vanilla Chai Dragon’s Milk is a concert of luscious flavors.  ABV – 11%  IBUs – 30
  • Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel Stout – Coconut complements the roasted chocolate flavor of Dragon’s Milk, coaxing flavors that are reminiscent of lazy summer days. Rum barrels add a tropical character.  ABV – 11%  IBUs – 30
  • Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Brewer’s Select – A very limited batch of Dragon’s Milk created using hand-picked barrels directly from distillers that retain more-than-usual bourbon character and carry that forward into the beer. A special treat for bourbon lovers and those looking for a little “heat” in their beer.  ABV – 12%  IBUs – 30

“It’s a great time to be a Dragon’s Milk fan, that’s for sure. Vanilla Chai and Coconut Rum Barrel are varieties that were favorites in 2016 and we brought them back, en masse,” says Brett VanderKamp, president of New Holland.  

“Brewer’s Select is a batch of Dragon’s Milk we created using barrels handpicked direct from distilleries, by our brewers,” continues VanderKamp, “The barrels chosen are ones that retained more-than-usual barrel character and carry that forward into the beer. This variation is a special treat for bourbon lovers and those looking for a more flavor in their beer.”

Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Vanilla Chai and Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel Stout are available in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and on draft.  Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Brewer’s Select will be available exclusively on draft.  All three variants have shipped out from New Holland’s production facility and will be hitting shelves and taps as limited offerings available in Alabama and throughout the brewery’s full distribution footprint.  Take notice that all three of these beers are extremely limited, so be sure to get yourself a taste whenever you happen upon them.  Prost!

Vital Information for the original Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout from New Holland Brewing Co.

Availability – Year-round
Style – Bourbon Barrel Stout
ABV – 11%
IBUs – 31
Malt – 2 row, Munich, Caramel, Crystal, Black, Chocolate Malt & Flaked Barley
Hops – Glacier & Nugget
First Brewed – 2001
Full Brewery Description – A stout with roasty malt character intermingled with deep vanilla tones, all dancing in an oak bath.
Beer Finder – http://newhollandbrew.com/finder/

Tasting Notes: Tesla Hop-Charged Lager from Sixpoint Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

tesla-medallion-chyeaTasting Notes continues its examination of the recent boom of American-brewed Lagers by taking a look at Tesla Hop-Charged Lager from Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn, New York).

Tesla Hop-Charged Lager is the latest offering to come out of Sixpoint Brewery’s Cycliquids Series, a constantly rotating lineup of beers where brewers experiment with new styles and/or create new takes on past releases.  Tesla is an Imperial Lager boasting juicy notes supplied by “big doses of American hops” and a “clean snappiness of a cold-fermented, meticulously-lagered beer.”  The finished beer officially weighs in at 7.1% ABV and 49 IBUs.  Tesla is a limited release that is available now in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans.  Look for this brew on the shelves at your favorite craft beer retailer in Florida, Alabama and throughout Sixpoint’s distribution area.  Now to the fun part.  Let’s get our sip on and scribble down some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for Tesla Hop-Charged Lager from Sixpoint Brewery

Appearance: Tesla pours up a deep, rich gold color that tapers from light oranges to electric yellows from the top of the body down.  When held to direct light, the yellows build with intensity to brighten the beer’s golden hue.  The body is clear and displays a very lively carbonation level.  The carb bubbles slingshot up to feed two fingers of pristine, white foam built off the gentle pour.  The beer proudly presents the signature head retention of a fine Lager.  The head eventually falls to a lasting finger that diligently notches the glass after each and every pull.

Aroma: Living up to its name, hops fuel this Lager with incredibly clean citrus, tropical and floral notes.  Mango, pineapple and tangerine embrace a sweet floral character that is almost nectar-like.  Although pronounced, the hops are not overly aggressive in the aromatic profile.  This allows pops of bready malt and Lager yeast to surface from time to time.  Lovely and beautifully presented here.

Taste: The hops absolutely spearhead the charge as the beer hits the palate.  That said, they are not nearly as bellicose as I may have initially – and unfairly – feared.  Grapefruit zest, orange and lime are all accounted for to provide those juicy and refreshing citrus hop qualities.  A touch of pine and grassy tones then add an earthy hoppiness and dankness.  The hops wrap up with booze-soaked tropical notes of pineapple and mango.  These hop notes may account for the majority of the experience, but they are by no means over the top or at the level of stripping the enamel off of your teeth.  A Zen-like balance tempers those hops with lightly sweet malt notes of bread and cracker.  American hopped?  Affimative.  Trademark Lager balance?  Achieved.

Mouthfeel: This Lager is medium in body with a medium carbonation level to it.  Bitter on the palate with just a tinge of sweetness weaving in to dexterously counter.  Alcohol certainly has some size to it at 7.1% ABV, and that does present itself with a gentle heat on the throat and in the belly.  The beer dries out as much as it can, but a bit of hoppiness stubbornly lingers.  Aftertaste is all grapefruit zest.

Final Thoughts: Sure, I will admit the tagline of “Hop-Charged” may have had me a bit worried that this offering may hide its Lager qualities behind an overly hopped experience.  I am elated to say that my worries were unnecessary and unfounded.  Tesla is most assuredly hop-forward, delivering a bitterness that is on point and showcasing beautifully clean flavors and aromatics.  That being the case, the beer does not forget that it is indeed a Lager and it retains a level of crispness thanks to a seemingly remarkably achieved balance.  My only gripe is the elevated ABV level that may shift this beer from the daily drinker category to more of a sip and savor brew.  All in all, Tesla is wonderfully put together with just enough of Sixpoint’s “Mad Science” personality provided to keep the beer unique and fun to drink.  Prost!

Ballast Point Brewing Releases Cinnamon Raisin Commodore Stout

Posted on by mashingin

cinnraisincommodoreglassBallast Point Brewing (San Diego, California) recently informed their fans on social media that Cinnamon Raisin Commodore American Stout is now available as a new limited release offering.

We started the week with an introduction to an interesting new variant being released by Ballast Point Brewing, and it looks like we will be closing it out with news of another.  Commodore American Stout is the latest year-round beer to get the variant treatment with this version incorporating the additions of cinnamon and raisins to give the beer a kick of dessert-inspired spice.  Commodore Stout got its start in the brewery’s R&D program, and became a surprise, gold-medal winning hit.  In similar fashion, Cinnamon Raisin Commodore came to be as one-off kegs featured exclusively at the brewery’s tasting rooms.  Its dark, bittersweet and roasty malt character supported by “just the right amount of sweet and spice” proved to be another home run with fans, and that made it an easy decision to turn it into Ballast Point’s latest 6-pack.

Cinnamon Raisin Commodore American Stout is a limited release currently only available on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles at the Ballast Point tasting rooms in the San Diego area.  Although the brewery has not announced plans for wider distribution, it is always possible that a few kegs or cases of this brew could maybe turn up at special events held in the near future within Ballast Point’s distribution area.  Keep your eyes open, remain vigilant, and maybe . . . just maybe . . . we will luck out and get a taste on the East Coast.  Prost!

Vital Information on Cinnamon Raisin Commodore American Stout from Ballast Point Brewing

Availability – Limited
Style – American Stout
ABV – 6.5%
IBUs – 62

Green Bench Brewing to Host 3 Year Anniversary Party

Posted on by mashingin

green-bench-logoOn Saturday, October 1 from 11 a.m. to close, Green Bench Brewing Co. (1133 Baum Ave N, Saint Petersburg, Florida) will be in full party mode to celebrate the brewery’s 3 Year Anniversary.

With an unwavering love for Saint Petersburg and a firm focus on creating “the best beer on the planet” by utilizing only the finest ingredients available, Green Bench Brewing Co. has created itself a firm foothold within the Florida craft beer community over the last three years.  To celebrate all of the challenges and successes along the way, the guys and gals at the brewery plan to throw a party to recognize the support and dedication of a very special guest of honor: you.  They know how difficult it would have been to come as far as they have since opening without the amazing level of devotion displayed by their fans, so this party is for you.

The 3 Year Anniversary Party is a multifaceted event jam-packed with a ridiculous amount of fun stuff to get into.  Let’s break it down:

  • To make sure you can properly experience all that this event has to offer, the brewery will be opening an hour early at 11 a.m.
  • This event will also acts as the fall kickoff event for the St. Pete Indie Market.  This market is “a unique destination for artisans, progressives, tourists and locals to come together in an outdoor alternative to retail setting. With 60+ vendors, craft beer and live art, the St. Pete Indie Market is a vital weekend destination for those in search of local flavor and the indie spirit.”
  • Limited Bottle Release #1: Sauvage Pomme, 100% Brett fermented Farmhouse Ale brewed with Amarillo hops & Michigan Apple Cider
  • Limited Bottle Release #2: The Golden Apple Mead. This is the brewery’s first bottle release from their Cider & Mead program.
  • Live music will start with Kristopher James from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by Donna Lu from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Dropin Pickup will close out the evening’s live entertainment.
  • A food truck will be on-site to handle any grubbin’ needs you may encounter.
  • Finally, “there will be a ton of drink specials, and other surprises and treats for you throughout the day JUST because we love you.”

This event is family friendly and will be rockin’ all day and night long on October 1st.  If you are free and in the Saint Petersburg area on Saturday, make sure to swing by the brewery to take part in the festivities because the folks at Green Bench Brewing Co. want nothing more than to raise a glass with you to the past three years and the many bright years ahead.  Prost!

Green Man Brewery Releases 20th Anniversary Variety Pack

Posted on by mashingin

GMan12Pack_3x4Green Man Brewery (Asheville, North Carolina) is celebrating two decades of brewing by releasing the 20th Anniversary Variety 12 Pack this fall.

Green Man Brewery has certainly come a long way after “20 Legendary Years” of craft brewing in North Carolina Appalachia.  Starting out as the first brewery in the “brewery district” of Asheville, their reputation for producing fine representations of traditional English styles has made it possible to gracefully evolve and grow over time.  This growth most recently includes the addition of a canning line and the opening of the Greenmansion in March of 2016.

To properly honor and reflect upon these past 20 years, the people of Green Man have decided to release the 20th Anniversary Variety 12 Pack of 12 oz. cans.  This mixed 12 pack contains two flagship offerings (ESB and IPA) to harken back to the brewery’s beginning, but also features two newer offerings (Sunseeker Pils and Wayfarer IPA) to highlight the brewery’s growth through the years.  If you happen to be unfamiliar with any of these brews, here are the full descriptions for each offering:

  • ESB Special Amber Ale – A malty amber ale boasting rich toasted and caramel flavors, Green Man ESB is one of our award-winning signature brews. Our blend of authentic British malts and hops creates a nutty aroma, full body, and a sweet finish. Prepare yourself for a truly exceptional interpretation of a traditional English style.  ABV – 5.5%  IBUs – 32
  • India Pale Ale (IPA) – Green Man India Pale Ale is delectably hoppy with a properly balanced body. Generous hop additions give it a wonderful bitterness and pleasant floral nose, while our combination of traditional British malts creates a rich, satisfying flavor and alluring copper color. This authentic English-style IPA is our flagship ale.  ABV – 6.2%  IBUs – 63
  • Sunseeker Pils – As you seek your place in the sun, this light-bodied Pils is perfect company. German hops and authentic Pilsner malt deliver our signature full-flavor.  Green Man invites you to meet light beer’s rival!  ABV – 5.2%
  • Wayfarer India Pale Ale – Perfect for every occasion, this easy drinking IPA suits any activity you fancy. This cool ale has a rockin’ citrus aroma and a laid-back finish. So pull your hair back, drop the top and put those Wayfarers on, baby.  ABV – 6.0%  IBUs – 70

The 20th Anniversary Variety 12 Pack is headed out to distribution now and will be available through the months of fall.  Look for this pack to be available at craft beer retailers in Green Man Brewery’s full distribution area of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.  Be sure to grab your 20th Anniversary Variety 12 Pack when you see it to properly raise a glass in celebration of Green Man achieving this brewing milestone.  Prost!

 

Highland Brewing Prepares for Seasonal Release of Thunderstruck Coffee Porter

Posted on by mashingin

thunderstruckHighland Brewing Company (Asheville, North Carolina) announced this week that Thunderstruck Coffee Porter will officially make its seasonal return in mid-October.

Thunderstruck Coffee Porter may be a perennial favorite for Highland Brewing, but the folks at the brewery hope to improve on this beer’s success by tweaking the recipe a bit.  This year’s release of Thunderstruck will feature two coffee infusions from two bean varietals that were carefully selected from and provided by Dynamite Roasting Company of Black Mountain, North Carolina.  A dark roast Mexican coffee blend was first utilized at the end of the boil to extract “the flavors much like the way coffee is made at home.”  A lighter Honduran blend was then employed later during the “cold-side part of brewing.”  The Honduran beans were added to “a portion of the base beer . . ., allowing the coffee to concentrate, after which the hi-test liquid is injected and circulated into each tank.”  To keep each batch as fresh as possible, Dynamite Roasting was an integral part of the brewing schedule by providing freshly ground coffee the morning of each brew day.  This level of attention to detail comes through clearly “in the robust, clean coffee flavor that is dominant in this otherwise well balanced porter.”

“There are some really cool parallels in the sensory evaluation of coffee and beer. I’m now able to experience my second favorite beverage with the same amount of depth that I enjoy a good beer,” said Brewmaster Hollie Stephenson.

Thunderstruck Coffee Porter officially launches at a release party at the brewery on Friday, October 14.  This seasonal release will then see distribution shortly thereafter.  Look for this one in 22 oz. bottles, 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles, and on draft at craft beer establishments in Alabama, Florida and throughout Highland Brewing Company’s distribution footprint.  Prost!

Vital Information for Thunderstruck Coffee Porter from Highland Brewing Company

Availability – Seasonal, Winter
Style – American Porter
ABV – 5.8%
IBUs – 26
Malts – Pale Malt, Carmel 60, Chocolate Malt & Midnight Wheat
Hops – Chinook, Hallertau Mittlefrue & German Select
Coffee Supplier –  Dynamite Roasting Company
Packaging – 22 oz. bottles, 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz. bottles, and draft (1/2bbl & 1/6bbl)
Fun Fact – Highland Brewing Seasonals are named after a feature of the Southern Appalachian landscape.  Thunderstruck Ridge, elevation 4680′, is visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 454.4. This area is known for high elevation spruce-fir forest and pristine headwater sources. In this vicinity, you can also visit the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy an ideal spot for watching sunrises & sunsets, and a trail leading to the summit of Waterrock Knob.

Variants of Southern Tier Pumking Released

Posted on by mashingin

coldpresspumkingSouthern Tier Brewing Company (Lakewood, New York) recently announced that the brewery will be releasing Rum Barrel-aged Pumking and Cold Press Coffee Pumking this year as variants to the brewery’s fan-favorite Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale.

Considering the annual pumpkin obsession that captivates this country each fall and Southern Tier Brewing’s incredible knack for creating delicious dessert beers, it is no surprise that Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale is one of the brewery’s most anticipated seasonal releases every year.  This beer’s malty sweetness and flavor notes of “vanilla, clove, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg [and] pie crust” has reached such a level of popularity that Southern Tier even hosted the Inaugural Pumking Fest this past weekend at the brewery.

The best news to come out of this festival – for pumpkin enthusiasts at least – is that a couple of the Pumking variants featured at this event will be making it to distribution with limited availability.  Rum Barrel-aged Pumking is probably the most widely known variant, and this offering lives up to its name by providing the base Pumking added spicy and sugary notes by way of careful aging within select rum barrels.  Cold Press Coffee Pumking is also getting in on the festivities by lending the trademark flavors of Pumking a new twist of light roasted coffee.

Rum Barrel-Aged Pumking is heading out to distribution this week in 22 oz. bottles and on draft.  Cold Press Coffee Pumking will also start turning up exclusively on draft.  Both of these offerings are incredibly limited and will only be found in select markets within Southern Tier’s distribution footprint, so the brewery urges you to contact your local grocer, bar, bottle shop and/or distributor to request these elusive brews.  If you are a fan of Pumpkin Ales and within the brewery’s distribution area (this of course includes Alabama and Florida), get on those phones now to request Rum Barrel-aged Pumking and Cold Press Coffee Pumking before these brews disappear from shelves and taps.  Prost!

Vital Information on Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Company

Availability – Seasonal, mid-July through autumn
Style – Pumpkin Ale
ABV – 8.6%
Packaging – 22 oz. bottles, 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles, draft
Recommended Glassware – Goblet

Tasting Notes: SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Posted on by mashingin

SQ2Tasting Notes journeys into the world of Session Sour Ales this week by taking a look at SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware).

Before we get to the review, let’s cover some background information on this exciting new brew.  SeaQuench Ale is a new limited release from Dogfish Head that combines the stylistic worlds of Kölsch, Berliner Weisse and Gose in one beer.  This union features a good dose of wheat, sea salt, black limes, and fresh lime juice to create a highly drinkable Sour Ale capable of quenching any thirst.  This 4.9% ABV offering is still hanging out on shelves in six-packs of 12 oz. bottles and pouring on draft, but its limited availability is nearing an end.  Look for this brew at craft beer establishments in Florida and throughout Dogfish Head’s distribution footprint.  For more information on this offering, click here to read the release profile I published back in August.  Now that the formalities are out of the way, let’s see what SeaQuench is all about with some Tasting Notes!

Tasting Notes for SeaQuench Ale from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Appearance: SeaQuench hits the glass as a hazy, straw yellow in color.  When held to direct light, lemony yellows develop and that haze holds fast but also divulges that it is not completely opaque.  The body displays a carbonation level that judiciously streams bubbles in single file lines found randomly along the full circumference of the glass.  The pour produced a fizzy half finger of bubbly white head that dissipates almost as quickly as it appeared.

Aroma: Just as it should, lime citrus saturates the air as soon as the beer is poured.  Lime zest and peel account for the majority of the aromatic profile, but a touch of the briny black lime hints at its role in this beer with a salty citrus quality turning up as well.  Trademark lactic sour notes develop around just a whisper of wheat.  It may be cliché, but this smells of summer on the coast.

Taste: Tart lime and lactic sourness initially grab your attention with a quickness on each sip. Lime juice, peel and zest shine brightly along with a nicely timed interjection from the preserved lime character.  The brininess of the black lime and the added sea salt jump in to clean things up with a breezy, saltwater quality.  Coriander and spicy hops add a little dynamic jolt at times.  The wheat is a bit of a wallflower here, but it does timidly wave hello just as the beer’s flavors vanish from the palate. Bright, clean, and delicious.

Mouthfeel: This beer is wonderfully light in body with a moderate carbonation level.  It is mostly tart on the palate, but salt and a touch of sweetness tickles the taste buds as well.  The ABV is absolutely nowhere to be found, allowing the beer to be incredibly crisp, refreshing and quenching.  The aftertaste is all freshly squeezed lime.

Final Thoughts: By combining the easy-drinking German styles of Kölsch, Berliner Weisse and Gose, the folks at Dogfish Head have an absolute winner here.  The lactic hit of the Berliner easily works with the limes to create a refreshing tartness that is balanced by the subtle, grain sweetness you expect from a Kölsch.  The saltiness from the Gose then kicks in and finishes things off with a perfect level of salinity that wipes the palate clean to entice another sip.  I also have to say that I am totally sold on the idea of black limes making an appearance in future Gose offerings.  Simply a perfect choice in ingredient and I feel like a fool for not thinking of it myself.  All in all, SeaQuench Ale has achieved the level of an ultimate thirst quencher.  Each sip is bracing and a delight. I simply cannot get enough.  Prost!