So I have no idea what to make of this beer. It's a new imperial offering from Southern Tier, I do know that. But as far as style goes, or what to expect it to taste like? I couldn't begin to tell you. The bottle refers to it as a bottle conditioned sparkling ale brewed with rose hips and citrusy hops. In wine sparkling refers to carbonation, but all beer is carbonated. Maybe it's brewed with a champagne yeast similar to Sam Adams' Infinium? But if there was champagne yeast in here I feel like they'd call that out specifically. So who knows. But Southern Tier has earned my trust, I'll give anything that they brew a shot. To the beer!
Compass pours a slightly hazed, vibrant, very pretty gold in color. It's topped by a thin finger of bone white head that recedes pretty quickly, but persists as a thin rim.
The aromas here have me thinking that Compass is some sort of Belgian-ish golden ale type thing, but with plenty of big American hops. Citrusy, lemony, fruitiness sits alongside a light, crackery, subtly toasty malt. Some powdery yeasty hints are in there as well. All in all very bright, sweet, and pretty interesting.
Compass is medium in body, but with a robust, effervescent carbonation that is almost reminiscent of the Bed & Breakfast that I had earlier in the week. Fruity flavors of lemon, grapefruit, green apple, and just a touch of pineapple take the lead. The hoppy fruity flavors are contrasted by a light, sweet malt flavor. The 9% ABV is nowhere to be found. A robust but never harsh bitterness, lends a nice crisp finish.
Even after drinking this beer i'm still not quite sure what to make of it. It's got some Belgian golden ale like qualities but it doesn't taste like it's been brewed with Belgian yeast. The citrusy hop flavors and aromas are reminiscent of a pale or even an IPA. Maybe an imperial blonde ale? Hmm. Whatever it is, I like it. I'm always a fan of a beer that brazenly flouts style guidelines. Compass is certainly very interesting and most importantly, very tasty. Give this one a look!
HD
Nice review. "Sparkling" ales have a history, originating possibly in Scotland. They were light in color, lighter in gravity and higher in carbonation (source: Mosher's Radical Brewing). Compass actually comes across as much lighter than it is. But I wouldn't take the designation of sparkling too seriously.
ReplyDeleteWell there you go. Thanks!
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