Southern Tier Phin & Matts Extraordinary Ale

The body is mostly clear, with a fine effervescence and and golden-amber hue. A foamy, beige colored head is small but well retained, and thick, patchy rings of lacing circle the glass. Aromas include very light toffee and caramel malts, some crisp cereal grains, and balancing notes of citrus and grassy hops. Flavors show the same elements in perfectly balanced proportions. Lemongrass hops and grapefruit rind are quite zippy, but the light toffee is there to soften the blow. Medium bodied with balanced carbonation, it drinks quite easy for a nearly 6% brew. Freshness is the key here. Nice, easy going brew with some character.

Terrible. Too thin and boring. Should be called Bert and Ernie’s instead. This beer is way to thin and dry. No flavor. I got a corn bomb from this one. Stay away.

Date: 08/24/08, 12 oz. bottle

Aroma - Toffee, light grain, hints of spice and earth,

Appearance - Clear gold, full white head settling slowly to a persistent thin layer in a few minutes, sliding rings of lace.

Flavor - Solid, softly sweet light malt backbone, gentle bitterness enters slowly, but leaves it’s mark in a pleasing dry finish that rounds off the malt well.

Palate - Medium body and carbonation, very smooth, sliding down easily and leaving a clean palate

Overall - Under appreciated, as is the case with many of Southern Tier’s offerings. Very smooth, drinkable, and with an attractive subtlety, this is a fine session beer.

12oz bottle served in a stem glass. Pale gold in color with a large white head. Smells of pine and strawberry. Pine, citrus, hop spiciness, and berry are noticeable in the flavor. Nothing over the top, well rounded bitterness, a tad unusual for an APA. Fairly dry for the style as well. Good, not great.

Pour is a clear gold with a thin white head. A slightly citrusy, simple IPA. Very easy drinker - more enjoyable than my score reflects.