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Graham L. Barron's picture

The Grizz

March, 2016
Judges Rating: 
86
Aroma: 
21 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
35 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
16 / 20

A beautiful, glowing, orange/amber beverage greets the drinker. A slightly off-white head forms quickly and hangs around, leaving nice lacing down the sides of the glass. The aroma is an assertive blend of pine and sweet caramel, leaving no doubt that this beer is loaded with both hops and malt, and some citrus and tropical fruits mix in with bread crusts and burnt sugar. The taste follows suit, living large, with a somewhat muddled, hoppy grassiness and a sweet, malty backbone. As the beer warms, more flavors of citrus, pineapple and fresh-cut apples emerge. Although the bitterness level is high, the balance of this beer tilts towards a somewhat sugary maltiness with a moderately full mouthfeel. As one finishes the glass, the alcohol content becomes evident but is at all times pleasing and not hot. This is a big beer in all ways – pounds of malt and hops compressed together in a can and very enjoyable at the end of the evening.