We are living in the olden age of craft beer, and all these variety packs of cans are proof.
New for 2018, Left Hand Brewing put out their variety packs of cans. The pack features three annuals and a rotating “Test Kitchen” series – with this box containing their Berliner Weisse. It was a perfect spread and I couldn’t wait to try every single one.
Juicy Goodness – 5.5% – Blonde Ale
“Hoppy and light with a tingly mouthfeel and fruity hop characteristics—perfect for the hophead and hop-averse. Delve into the complexity of the hops and delight in its golden drinkability. Juicy Goodness—it’s always in season.”
Well, the Juicy Goodness starts off, well, really juicy, with strong fruit forward notes of citrus, mango, and some grainy/cereal malt sweetness. But then it takes a sharp, dry turn, with notes of grassy hops, and a super, super dry finish that leaves you wanting another sip.
‘This beer
makes me
feel
barefoot
soft grass
hill.’
Traveling Light – 4.8% – Kolsch
“Golden, crisp, dry and refreshing with herbal hops.”
Simple and straight to the point. I like it. Cause that’s exactly what this delicious Kolsch is. It has a bitter, grassy, straw hop flavor with hints of spice. It’s crisp and dry, but not as dry as the Juicy Goodness. Oh, and it’s effervescent. As in super fucking bubbly. It reminds me of my newest favorite beer style, the brut IPA, just less bitter.
‘Hit the road
jack
and don’t bother to
pack
travel light n don’t look back
single suitcase
of cold beer
make that great escape
life is better
when it’s free.’
Left Hand IPA – 6.6%
“Pale orange, light maltiness. Hop profile of orange, passionfruit, peach and lemon.”
I sure don’t get any notes of passionfruit. Or peach. But definitely strong citrus, orange rind zestiness. And some piney hop flavor, with a woody and dry finish. The malts have hints of caramel sweetness and toast, which pairs well with the woody pine flavor. But no passionfruit.
‘Bitter green hop oil permeates
the air
lazy thinking thoughts that don’t go
no where
a horn softly shouts, ivory keys trickle
prayer
life is grand with beer without
a care.’
Brewer’s Test Kitchen – 4.7% – Berliner Weisse
Whoa baby. It’s tart and sour, with sharp fruit flavors of cheek-stinging apple, peach, and white grape. I can’t taste much else over the sharp sourness of it, but I love it. A solid berliner weisse.
‘Ich bin ein berliner
atomic era and frozen
tv dinner
melt the ice
with batches of berliner
weisse.’
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Curious about what the hell a 12 pack poem is? Click here.)