Beer Review: Nelson

Reviewing Nelson from the Alpine Beer Company.
Score: 93

Unknown vintage bottle received as part of a trade in early January 2012. Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 01/31/12.

Appearance: Pours a hazy, translucent yellow-orange color with some cloudy and flaky sediment floating around. I was concerned that I was inadvertently using a dirty glass, but my roommate's freshly cleaned Duvel contained the same cloudy and flaky sediment. The sediment is really off-putting, but obviously it's the aroma, taste and mouthfeel that matter most in a beer. Still, the floating "flakes" bother me. This beer makes Heady Topper seem "clean" in appearance by comparison. Pours a full finger of slightly off-white sea foam head that slowly settles into a thin layer across the top of the glass. Excellent lacing with sticky sheets of head that cling to the side of the glass. 3.5/5

Smell: Loaded with vivid and fresh tropical citrus and floral aromas that leave me to believe this one uses Citra hops. Reminds me a lot of Zombie Dust. Bright grapefruit, orange juice, mango, pineapple juice and lemon rind. Some Mellow doses of pine and fresh grass clippings with a light maltiness in the background. 4.5/5

Taste: Sweet, slightly earthy citrus, bready malts and subtle amounts of rye/spice. The citrus is more pronounced upfront, while the finish is more malty than citrusy. Not very bitter. Very refreshing and drinkable. There is a light "white wine" grapiness throughout. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium, maybe medium-plus, carbonation. Carbonation level is perfect for the flavors. Creamy mouthfeel. Slightly dry, malty/acidic finish 4.5/5

Overall: This beer might be towards the end of its freshness life, as I received it roughly a month ago, but it is still extremely delicious. I would love to see how this one tastes right off the bottling line. This is an excellent single IPA that I wish I had easy/ready/consistent access too.

Recommendation: Fans of Zombie Dusty, Heady Topper, Lagunitas Sucks, Anti-Hero IPA and Surly Abrasive Ale should seek this beer out.

Pairings: Sherbet ice cream or hamburgers.

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.