Back Street Rainbox Copper Ale

On tap at the Irvine location. Slightly hazy, brassy gold colored pour with a thin layer of wispy off-white head. Dry, bitter malt backbone that has an almost rye-like, borderline husk tannin quality that is a bit astringent. Toasted baguette with a light caraway seed spice. A moderate herbal hop bitterness heightens the astringent sensation, but doesn’t contribute much besides adding bitter grassy qualities. Light to medium bodied, crisply carbonated mouthfeel. The carbonation is the perfect compliment for the flavor profile. I hate to use the word astringent to describe both the hop and malt characters, but it really fits best. The beer is enjoyable, but the puckering qualities seem to be developed from equal contributions by the malt and hop profiles. Spent grain husks and herbal grassy hops finish this one out quickly and cleanly, resulting in a simple and straightforward, yet easy drinking brew.