Brew Spotlight 2.15.15
The craft beer scene stampeded the gates of 2015, showing signs of another promising year of growth and prosperity. This industry is placing a common precedence in consumer beverage markets; the acknowledgment of profitability along with larger demands of commodities has constructed a burgeoning forum of business. Existing breweries thrive, triggering further market growth with an increasing amount of start-ups. Breweries struggling with the election of next-generation management will evolve organically, or they will sell a portion, if not, all of their business to larger business entities. A lucrative and cut-throat industry such as craft beer involves competitive means that may hinder sight of integrity; craft brewers attempt to maintain prosperity from within, whereas the Anheuser-Busch guys are embellishing their image by consuming the smaller segment craft guys, e.g. Elysian Brewing out of Seattle, Washington. From an exterior perspective, it is obvious that this market is establishing contingencies of evolution, innovation, and market dynamics. Some will stay, and some will go. Some will die, and some will grow. Why am I not drinking yet??? I don't know.
Heavy Seas Brewing - Cross Bones Session IPA
Heavy Seas, formerly known as Clipper City Brewing, has just recently begun brewing this session IPA. Standing at an adequate 4.5% ABV, this IPA is larger than life. With a thin white head and bright amber hue, Cross Bones has quick, subtle retention and a well-rounded aroma of floral notes, orange, citrus rind, and apricot. Mouthfeel is light to medium with moderate carbonation. The moderate carbonation balances the hop heavy finish with a sturdy malt backbone. Some pungency from the residual sugars helps compromise the hop astringency, making cross bones a well-rounded session IPA.
Cross Bones is like sunshine in a bottle, which certainly accommodates for the sheer icebox that we're currently living in. A New England winter at its finest, howling chilled winds and cascading sheets of ice all up in our grill piece. I don't have a fire place, so Cross Bones will do just fine. Thank you bartender, I think I'll have another. Happy Sunday. Drink Responsibly. Over & Out.
