Friday, March 9, 2012

Rock Art Jasmine Pale Ale

The Rock Art Jasmine Pale Ale is an Herb beer that uses just a touch of jasmine and hops added to the fermentor to give the beer more of an aroma as opposed to extracting more flavors from the jasmine. Kristine and I headed to the Brewery to sample some others and I think this one was both our favorites.

Alcohol Content: 5.0%
IBU: 8
Malts: ?
Hops: ?

Price: $3.50/ 22oz bomber @ the Brewery
Medium: Poured into a stemmed water glass

Aroma: Very light herbal hop aroma and of course jasmine. Perhaps a bit of fruitiness from the yeast, although more of a pleasant breadyness with a touch of honey sweetness. Some hints of butterscotch from the malts. Overall sweet nose with a delicate, herbal tea-like character.
Appearance: Quite hazy with a deep amber color. Poured for a very large off-white head which dissipated to just a thin surface. Carbonation appears very bubbly/ champagne-like - can hear it through most of the session. Lacing is wet.
Flavor: Opens with a delicate honey & bready sweet malt flavor with a very light toffee (not very noticeable). The jasmine adds a very nice herbal character starting about mid-pallet and gaining momentum towards the finish. Bitterness is herbal and tea-like with an almost lemony tartness - perhaps similar to a ginseng tea. Aftertaste consists of a lingering honey/ butterscotch. Overall very balanced and pleasant.
Mouthfeel: Light body with a large presence of carbonation. The jasmine plays a role in the mouthfeel too, sort of coating the mouth but not drying out the palate.
Overall Impression: Very pleasant and unique, but perhaps a little too light on the palate. The carbonation could be toned down a notch as well, but it complements the lighter feel and desired experience. I would prefer it with the lighter herb dishes or freshly tossed greens.

1 comment:

  1. Love this one. Such a great beer for a summer night when you need something light and refreshing. YUM

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