Dropping in on life with a kick-flip
As expected, the 12-ounce bottle releases a cloudy, pale, straw-colored beer with plenty of yeast in suspension. Head is pure white, with a tight, creamy lace and plenty of healthy-looking stick and stay on the glass. A soft clove spiciness in the nose goes deep with sweet grain suggestions, followed by unripe banana, a hint of fruitiness and notes of lemon oil.
The beer pours dark brown, near black, with ruby hues. Tan foamy head with a decent amount of clingy lace. Loads of complex roasted and smoked aromas, pear, grain and husk beneath. Smooth and creamy on the palate. Medium body, with a nice malty base. Light fruity grape flavors add some nice balance to accented smokiness. Pear-like flavors and feel. Bitterness is balanced and allows the Weyermann rauch and chocolate wheat malts to flex. Nice hints of chocolate smooth things together quite nicely. A raw leafy character leaves a tannin feel on the palate, along with some smoky husks. Slightly dry finish with smoky lingers.
Wasn’t working for us at first, but once the beer warmed, the flavors began to emerge. We can imagine that this is as close as one could probably get using modern-day brewing equipment and methods. Most appealing brew of the pack.
Raw and wheaty aroma with a hint of smoked malts and a faint suggestion of cocoa powder. Otherwise, pretty clean in the nose.
The nose contains apricots and pear, faint ground white pepper, chalky yeast and an aroma of shortbread biscuits.
It’s very crisp and lively with a smooth back and moderate body. Spicy phenols wrap around its dry maltiness, which is similar to crusty bread, highlighted by some pithy notes of green banana. Spicy hops, with a flare from the alcohol, provide a nice bite along with a moderate grassy bitterness.