Beer Review: Nugget Nectar

Reviewing the Nugget Nectar from Tröegs Brewing Company. 
Score: 91

Batch #120117. Bottled 02/06/12, served in a Half Ace tulip and enjoyed on 04/12/12. A hearty thank you to Joseph over at ProperHops for sending me this brew. You can check out Joseph's YouTube video reviews by clicking here.

Appearance: Pours a translucent orange-amber color with just under a finger of creamy cream colored head that settles to a thin layer. Above average lacing and average retention. 4/5

Smell: Piney hops, nutty malt, walnut, toffee, caramel, grapefruit and barley. The citrus and hops aroma is a lot more muted than expected. Very malty aroma, but in a pleasant way. 4/5

Taste: Strong mix of malty caramel, barley and piney hop oils. Layering bitter grapefruit and lemon. Earthy nut flavor on the midpalate and back half. Residual spice. There are a lot more hops in the taste then in the nose. Lingering lemon, nut and barley finish. Nugget Nectar is similar to Zoe in that it’s an IPA-like amber, but I think I preferred Zoe more. Not sure how much of that preference has to do with the fact that this bottle is just over two months old, however. 4.25

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied with carbonation on the higher end (but not overcarbonated). The carbonation makes the bitterness of the hops perky on the tongue. Very oily and smooth mouthfeel. Malty, bitter and modestly dry finish. 4/5

Overall: Quite tasty, but I imagine this is even better fresh. I will have to revisit this one in 2013. Best described as a nutty and malty IPA. This is one of only two amber ales (the other being Zoe) that I have ever truly enjoyed. I imagine that I would also like Brian Boru and Ginger Twin.

Recommendation: Casual beer drinkers are less likely to enjoy this one, but beer geeks should seek this beer out when it’s fresh.

Pairings: Gruyere cheese

Cost: $12-14 for a six pack.