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Mike Castagno's picture

Rare Trait

July, 2016

Rare Trait

Judges Rating: 
96
Aroma: 
24 / 24
Appearance: 
4 / 6
Flavor: 
39 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
19 / 20

Creamy. Velvety. Luscious. Tropical. These are the main characteristics of this beer, but it is also much more than that. The beer puts down my skepticism for both "crowlers" (32-oz. cans that are filled from the tap then sealed) and hazy IPAs. With a massive citrusy nose full of grapefruit, orange and tangerine, the hop profile deepens into tropical notes of passion fruit and pineapple with a hint of mango. These tropical notes carry onward into the flavor and make for an incredibly pleasing flavor profile. There is a rounding out of the mid-palate with bready and toasty malt characteristics and a soft but sufficient bitterness. This does not linger at all, which given this beer's turbid appearance, was quite surprising. The finish was clean and smooth, and it left me itching for more. The body was creamy but not heavy, making it dangerously quaffable. Pace yourself and enjoy the experience. This beer would pair well with Carribbean food, BBQ ribs or even an arugula salad with strawberries and balsamic vinaigrette. Unfortunately, I believe this beer is only available at the brewery in Denver, Colorado. I suggest you get there fast to try this terrific IPA!