Karbach Hop Delusion The nose on this brew is unmistakably malty with some pine and bitter hops. Like a lot of hops. Like more than 100 IBUs (International Bittering Units) of hops. That's hoppy, and that's the point of this beer, which Karbach says will put you in a state of "hop delusion," wherein "everything you touch leaves your fingers sticky, and now even the people around you look like hop cones." There are notes of grapefruit and bitter citrus rind, but mostly--not sure if I mentioned this yet--hops. I want to drink this while sprawled out on a freshly cut lawn during a picnic. For what that's worth.
No Label Brewing Mint IPA Initially I was torn between thinking this tastes like Christmas beer and thinking it tastes like summer. But I kept going back for more, and I found there was something refreshing and summery about the strong mint scent. It's a pale ale, but it's very herbal thanks to the addition of five different hops and both a minty nose and finish. In the middle, all you get are bitter hops, but the minty-ness lingers, somewhat like toothpaste. If that sounds unappetizing, that's because this beer definitely isn't for everyone. It's best served super cold and with an adventuresome attitude.
Saint Arnold Icon - Texas Common While I was instantly smitten with Saint Arnold's 20th Anniversary Ale, a barleywine with a spicy honey and caramel flavor, a different Saint Arnold beer seems more appropriate for summer. The newly released Icon Series Texas Common is a red amber lager with a bit of hops and lots of tropical fruit combined with malt. The style is similar to San Francisco "Steam Beers," often referred to as California Common Beers because the "Steam" designation has been trademarked. But, this being Texas, Saint Arnold's unique summer brew is a Texas Common with a complex flavor that will whisk you away to a tropical island.
Southern Star Valkyrie IPA While many turn to Southern Star's light Bombshell Blonde for a summer libation, the Valkyrie is something that will take you from warm summer nights into fall. Initially it has the bitter hops that make me think of green summers, but that fades into a malty, bready flavor that I associate more will heavier fall beers. It's sold June through December, so it certainly straddles seasons, and I wouldn't call it an easy day drinking beer. This is for brooding summer nights hunched over the bar and the first cold front of the fall season...whenever that may be.
