Widmer Broken Halo IPA
I realize this has been out for a couple weeks and I'm a little behind, but this is the first chance I've had to try it.
Broken Halo pours clear and coppery, with a dense, creamy head. It opens the sinuses with a bright citrusy hop aroma (which is rapidly becoming a hallmark of N.W. IPA's) and leads to a slight caramel undertone. The rather subdued carbonation and weel-balanced malt makes it feel full, soft, and smooth in the mouth. After a few sips you can taste the slight fruity esters from the Widmer house yeast as well. Then the hops come back firm at the swallow and give it a dry, almost astringent ending that encourages you to take another sip. Even after several minutes I'm left with a nice, resiny reminder of the beer. All in all it's pretty solid, and changing the name from "W'05" should make it more palatable to those who negatively associate the letter "W" with our current administration. Not that there's any people like that in Portland...
It's currently available on draught at the Horse Brass and several other locations in the area, as well as 6 packs, 12 packs, and singles (if you shop here). Unless I'm mistaken, this is going to be a full-time beer from Widmer, and it should start showing up in the variety 12 packs once they phase out the Blonde Ale.
Tags: Widmer, Broken Halo, IPA, Portland, Horse Brass, ratebeer, beer advocate
posted by Chris @ 2:53 PM
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1 Comments:
I've been hooked on Broken Halo lately and just came across this post. I like your description. the "dry, astringent ending," is right on and the "resiny reminder" epitimizes the expirience. Beervana says it's a uncharacteristically drinkable hoppy ale, and I agree.
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