Reviewing the Hedgerow Bitter from Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project out of Massachusetts. My girlfriend's uncle and aunt from the Northeast got me this one. Thanks guys!Score: 73
No bottling date. This bottle was received in late December 2011. Served in a Half Acre tulip and enjoyed on 02/26/12. This is a backlogged review from a beer tasting I hosted on Oscar night.
Appearance: Pours a translucent yellow/orange color with an orange core that fades to yellow at the top and bottom of the glass when held up to light. One and a half to two fingers of foamy off-white head at pour quickly settles into a thin foggy cap and bubbly ring around the glass. Above average lacing, above average retention. 3.5/5
Smell: First pull is bitter Fiji apple and a "juicy citrus" smell. There's also creamy malt, a "breadiness" and a barley-like spice in the aroma as well. The aroma is very subdued and not very complex. 3.5/5
Taste: Malty Fiji apple, barley and subtle hops. Maybe some pear. There's some stale apple juice upfront too. Super bitter malt backbone. A light tart apple flavor towards the back half. Not much else going on. Aside from the bitterness, the flavors are pretty subdued. 3/5
Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied, medium-light carbonation. Water mouthfeel. Savory, malty and bitter finish. 3/5
Overall: Reminds me (in a negative way) of Founders Pale Ale. Too juicy/malty, not enough hops, and an odd mix of bitter and sour flavor. The subtle flavors and bitter malt flavors scream "English style" here. I was glad to get the chance to try Hedgerow Bitter, but I would not approach this beer again in the future.
Recommendation: You can safely skip this beer unless you love Founders Pale Ale and bitter beers. Casual beer drinkers probably will not enjoy this one.
Pairings: Rum.
Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.
