“It might be pale but there’s nothing weak about this bad boy. This XPA’s tropical and floral aromatics set off a fruity palette that will punch your taste buds in the pleasure zone. Tailored for those who enjoy a fully-hopped beer that’s still easy to drink.”
Served in a shaker glass. Maize coloured pour with a finger of white foam topping it off. The head retains quite well and deposits a mix of spotty and wavy lace down the walls of the glass.
Pretty crisp and summery on the nose with punchy notes of citrus rind, unripened pineapple and grapefruit leading out. Subtle, intermittent wafts of floral hops tie in with the mildly sweet honey malts as a soft herbal undertone works quietly in the background. Nice and pleasant aroma that’s packing a decent little hop profile.
We’re getting an uber vibrant mouth feel. Seems fresh and zippy with bouncy Co2. 30 IBUs provide a light bitterness while the mild body makes for an effortless swallow.
The hop flavours are a bit more balanced on the palate. Still getting those unripened pineapple tones coming through with hints of peach and a soft yeasty spice. A malty sweet middle is rounded off by a crisp and refreshing finish that offers a slight herbal dryness on the rear.
This may be our first review for Balter but it certainly isn’t out first crack at their range. We’ve had numerous sessions on this XPA already so it has already proved itself as a trusty beer that can go the distance. She’s a tidy little number that’s for sure.