CynicAle

Tasted on Friday, the night before Taming of the Slough, in Moline. I retrieved this can from the nice folks of Surley while at the Great Taste of the Midwest during the hectic and near disorderly after clean-up of all our booths/tents.

Appearance: Brilliant with a yellow hue. Clarity is strong making bubbles easy to identify as the rise to the surface. Some bubble accumulation present on the sides of the glass. Head caresses with an upper-lip around the inner perimeter of the glass, as it takes on an opaque film across the surface.

Aroma: Strong yeasty character present right from the get-go. Similarly, the Belgian yeast interestingly incorporates a lemon zest along with a faint fruity/estery complexity. To finish there remains a subtle earthy citrus about it with a mild note of phenols.

Taste: Just what the aroma foretold, yet with more of a honey'd grain base and may as well contain some adjunct corn too. Yeast remains a prominent co-factor in the flavor as well as some floral undertones. The end is quite peppery boasting a Belgian yeast character as well as an unassuming spice and a fruit tannin dryness that resembles pears. For 6.5% ABV, the alcohol is nicely incorporated. Some clove begins to present itself as the beer warms, as well as the peaches and other fruity esters. A faint note of bubblegum as well.
Mouthfeel: Lighter bodied, but on a heavier side than I was expecting from the description on the back of the beer. Carbonated fizz occurs more at the front of the tongue, and then loosens as it goes down. Dry hoppy resined feel at the end.
Overall Impression: For a "lighter yellow beer" such as this one, it sure packs a rich and interesting flavor profile. Complexity is a better word! Choked full of fruitiness, malt, adjunt and hops. Little else I can say except a worthy choice if you need a gateway from the light American Lagers.
 

89/100