Hyve Honey Ale

Tasted Saturday morning after a hot run through Holland and a trip to the farmers market for kale, broccoli, onion, peaches and Deboers Country bread. Purchased this as a part of an assorted six pack from the Highland Park Binny's. If I can ever find beer that is USDA Certified Organic, you better believe I'm going to try it.

Appearance: Glowing Amber with a persistent haze. The head is speckled, surrounded by a soapy bubble consistency surrounding the glass. Carbonation is extremely fine looking, almost to the point of making the beer look perfectly still. Lacing is dotted and wet.
Aroma: There really wasn't much to the aroma except for a faint note of biscuit and honey and maybe some earthiness. Actually, the more I sniff, the more I get the scent of CO2...
Taste: The carbonation takes a surprising dominance to the point that in sears the top of the tongue, leaving a perception of a foretaste futile. Then, interestingly, the hops make a drastic appearance with a dry earthy bitterness in the midtaste. It is only in the finish that a remote undertone of honey is acknowledged. Aftertaste is neutrally bitter. As the beer warms, more of the malt base and even honey takes over the second half; especially as the carbonation subsided.

Mouthfeel: The carbonation, like I said earlier, is dominant. It is so fine and boasting strength that it overwhelms all other sensory experiences. It burns the tongue and only allows a neutral bitterness to emerge. Body is light to medium. Finish is very dry.
Overall Impression: I was hoping for more out of this. The honey was underwhelming and the bitterness didn't pair very well. Carbonation was all in its own a drawback. However, what sweet notes I did get out of this beer were subtle and balanced. To make a beer with organic malt AND honey is in theory even difficult. No phenols in the finish, which I would have expected. More develops as the beer warms. Do not serve extremely cold.