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The Topsail

The Topsail by Cape May Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
98
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
40 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

As far back as the 15th century, seafarers traversed the open waters on multi-masted schooners with the wind as their only propulsion -- the main sail was known as the topsail. The first sail to be flown and the last to come down, the topsail was tall  enough to catch a steady breeze even on the roughest seas. With this in mind, we bring you The Topsail: the fourth entry in our ever-evolving and adventurous Barrel Aged Series. Expanding on flavors introduced in previous releases, The Topsail is an adventurous and intriguing sour blonde. Rustic with earthy notes and a firm lactic acid presence, The Topsail has aged for 9 months in the barrels previously carrying The Keel. Exotic fruit flavors reminiscent of peaches, mangoes, and apricots developed from the multitude of Brett strains playing off the base beer. Blended to paint a fuller picture, The Topsail is a well-rounded sour beer that will continue to develop in the bottle as the Brett and friends continue to evolve.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.9%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
45-55º
Hops: 
Saaz
Malts: 
German Pilsner and acidulated malt
Judges Review 
Dan Martich's picture
Judges Rating:
98
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
40 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

The Topsail by Cape May Brewing Company is being evaluated as a Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer (Category 28B) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines. 

The aroma of this beer is inviting with lots of ripe pineapple, green mangoes, red apples, ripe pear, and light citrus fruity esters. The grainy malt character is secondary. Sink your nose into the glass, and you'll find the straw and hay notes of this sour ale.

It pours light golden yellow with a firm haziness and thick foamy head that lasts and lasts.

The first sip reveals a medium-light ripe pineapple note, with a nearly imperceptible hop flavor. This beer is well attenuated with a very low fruity semi-dry finish. The balance is toward the tart/sourness without overwhelming. The fruitiness keeps this beer active in the palate.

The med-light body and high carbonation accentuate its refreshing character. The astringent character from the sour/tartness Brettanomyces strain may at times come across as warming, it makes it hard to imagine that you're drinking a 9.9% ABV beer. This beer drinks more like a 4% beer in that it's very light, which is a difficult task given the actual ABV.

In closing, you'll want to seek this beer out. The refreshing fruity notes, makes this a summertime favorite. I can see you all enjoying this beer in your backyard, by the shore, lake or mountains with char-grilled veggies, fruit, or white meat fish to complement the fruity notes of this beer.

Brewery Introduction

A couple guys and a beer — that’s how Cape May Brewing Company came to be. Back in 2011, they brewed their first batch of Cape May IPA, kegged it up, and sold it to a bar up the street…

…and began South Jersey’s craft revolution.

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