Southern Tier Hop Sun

Brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Company
Style: Wheat Ale
Lakewood, New York USA

Six 12oz bottles for $10 from Bauer Wines in Boston. Pours a clear, pale yellow with a bit of head. The appearance may be pedestrian, but the aroma most certainly is not. Hops, hops, hops. Nice. First sip is a letdown compared to that nose. First taste is a metallic taste that is bitter but not hoppy. That metallic taste remains throughout the beer, and is a serious problem. So disappointing after that wonderful aroma.

My fiftieth rating from the state of New York. Bottle. Sweet wheat nose, citrus (lime, lemon) and floral hops with honey and lemongrass, just a touch of fruit in for zazz (apricot). Golden pour with an excitable, large soapy beige head. Taste is astringently dry, and lastingly so, with a strong overtone of wheat and lesser notes of avocado and tequila. Slightly grainy, maybe some passionfruit. Medium body seems a tad lighter. Smooth and refreshing. Lightly tart, no sign of alcohol. Have to admit, though I’m not a fan, this takes the style into a whole new, sunny realm. And it would go well with a ton of different foods - recommended.

Carries a subtle but appealing hoppy note. Reveals itself blonde with a hint of orange and fizz. It taste of peaches, wheat and hops. Its palate soars as an IPA then weakens wheat. The beer cannot decide what it is, but it accepts its destiny and so shall you.

12oz Bottle: Clear golden body w/ a small eggshell white head that disappears fast. Hoppy aroma w/ a hint of wheat & a slight maltiness. Very mild flavor, virtually none of the hops in the aroma are present in the flavor. Some caramel malts come through w/ a grainy taste towards the finish. Palate is very thin & watery. Bland & boring brew...I expect more from Southern Tier, I guess they can’t all be winners.

Clear golden pour with a smaller white head. Smells like peanut butter and honey! A bit malty, but that sweet and nutty aroma really caught my attention. Tastes malty with a sweet honey and oats/wheat. Creamy mouthful. Different and fun. Thanks BuckeyeBoy.

Tremendously friendly esthers pair with hay and dry grassy hops--alluring! Golden, pilsner-esque smoothly effervescent body... white head settles into hazy 1/8-inch line--dark for a hefe? Yet an ale? Smooth, ticklish and bubbly on the tongue; soft aftertaste with a light-to-medium body... fruity yeasts meet metallic, dry pilsner malts in a mix that softens and cools hot evenings... complex and satisfying... the brew leaves a gentle hop/malt combination, pleasant enough to present flowers to the nostrils but memorable in its ability to touch all bases in the brewing process--dissecting this would be almost as rewarding as drinking!

A decent summer beer. Has subtle wheat notes, a bit fruity, but the hops really kick in for an intense finish. I think the hops variety that is used should be altered to something more palatable. The finish is reminiscent of a melted plastic taste. Other hop varieties contribute great IBU’s without tasting ridiculous. With a different kind of hops, this beer could really be outstanding.

Bottle Pours out a cloudy straw topped with a white head. Aroma of ligth hops and wheat. Tast of light wheat and a little fruit.