Beer Review: Shark Meets Hipster

Reviewing the Shark Meets Hipster from DryHop Brewers out of Lakeview in Chicago, Illinois.

Score: 93

Tap pour served in a taster glass as part of a beer flight at the DryHop Brewers Brewpub on 06/28/13.

Appearance: Dull and cloudy tangerine color with a thin layer of froth served. Excellent lacing and cling/retention. 4.5/5

Smell: Dulled tropical notes primarily mixed with aromas of grain sweetness. Mango, tangerine and citrus juice aromas that are vaguely reminisce of the Three Floyds and De Struise collaboration To Live A Rich Life (aka Shark Pants) without the Belgian twist. Hint of sticky, danky hops. 4.25/5

Taste: Tastes like a much more bitter and infinitely more tropically juicy Gumball Head. Less juicy intense IPA-like than the nose led on, and more bitter. Very dry and "leafy" green hops but not "piney." The bitterness lays heavy and lingers on the tongue, but does not "bite" so to speak. I find this aspect quite intriguing. There is a nice sweet juicy malt backbone. Some orange rind flavor too, a touch of passion fruit and tangerine. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Light-plus bodied, low carbonation. Quite bitter and oily on the tongue. 4.25/5

Overall: A delicious brew that is nice and "bitterly hoppy." I like how the lighter sweet juicy citrus characters add balance and the complexity twist of the wheat beer base. This is a beer I would order a full pint of. Cheers!

Cost: $5 for a 16 oz pour and $6 for a 32 oz (counter-pressured) growler fill.