Friday, May 1, 2015

Beer Review: Present Moment

Reviewing the Present Moment, a pale ale from Tree House Brewing Company out of Monson, Massachusetts.

Score: 70

16 oz can without a date, but I know it is fresh because Rudzud sent it (thanks man!). Served in a Kate the Great snifter/tulip hybrid glass and enjoyed on 04/22/15.

Appearance: Cloudiest in appearance of Tree House Lights On, Hill Farmstead Mosaic Single Hop Pale Ale and Tree House Vagabond. Pours a dull yellow color with an orange tine and a finger-plus of head that quickly settles to an inconsistently ring around the glass. Okay lacing and retention. 3/5

Smell: Herbal, earthy spice, pineapple, cantaloupe, and bubblegum. The nose is a little weird for the style. 3.25

Taste:Bubblegum and cantaloupe dominate, which is so odd. A little pineapple too, but much less than expected from the nose. Finishes with an odd mint-without-the-menthol, "green" character. Unique, but not in a way that I enjoy. 3.25/5

Mouthfeel: Light-medium bodied, appropriate carbonation. Dry finish with a fruity-sweet profile. 3.5/5

Overall: Definitely the weak link in an otherwise solid box of IPA. Bubblegum is definitely not a welcome flavor/aroma in a hoppy beer for me. Tree House makes much better brews in my opinion, but its good to see breweries make out-of-the-box beers.

Cost: $5 for a 16 oz can.