Black Forest Belgian Wheat IPA

Brewed by Black Forest Brew Haus
Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
Farmingdale, New York USA

Tap sample at the Brewpub: Hazy, effervescent over carbonated (especially for style) golden. Head retention was weak. Very phenolic aroma- plasticy notes and some restrained hop fruitiness underneath apparent banana esters. Over carbonated on the palate- cuts through the already thin body. Grainy and husky malt notes mesh with a dusty mineral character and plasticy phenolics. Light orange zest hop character comes through. (Note to all brewers: Stop attempting hybrid styles in which you join the distinctive yeast strains of Belgium and heavily hop the potentially pleasant potable with an abundance of U.S. hops)

Tap at the brewpub. Aroma of tons of flowers and some banana. Flavor brings out odd, bitter fruits like mango, melon, pomegranate, hint of hop resin, more banana. Leaves some oddly unpleasant bitterness in the mouth. Smelled pretty good to me, but after that turned into another failed attempt to merge these two styles. Did become more drinkable as it warmed, but also developed an odd fruity character, so I saw no reason to change the score.

On tap at the brewpub. Pours a cloudy light brown/burnt orange with a nice thick white head. Aroma of citrus hops, hop oils, and a touch of sweet melon. Flavor is a bit odd--smoked/burnt malt notes, Belgian yeast, banana, and acetone. It does grow on you a little, but it’s rather an odd beer. 7/4/6/3/13 (3.3/5)