White Oak Aged Jai Alai

This beer starts off with a booming hop bouquet dominated by pine needles and resin. This quickly fades to a less pronounced herbal character with background notes of tangerine and grapefruit. Underneath it all there are hints of caramel and bready malt. The color is bright gold with a slight haze and a quickly fading off-white head. Upon tasting the beer, the rich maltiness is a bit unexpected and characterized by bread, biscuit and a subtle graham cracker note, which leaves a moderate residual sweetness lingering in the finish. The alcohol is apparent with a spicy quality to it and yields a noticeable warming sensation. There are hints of oak-like vanilla in the back palate which really becomes apparent as the beer warms; though it never distracts from the "IPA" experience. The assertive bitterness combines with tannins and lingers well past the finish, leaving the drinker reaching for more to refresh the palate. This beer would be perfect for a night cap while catching up with old friends.