Tasting Day: Citra SMaSH Dark Ale

Recipe and Brewday here.

After 4 weeks of bottling and conditioning, I opened a bottle of the Citra SMaSH Dark Ale.

Maybe it is because this is the first time that I brewed a SMaSH with Citra but this ale really surprised me. As the cap was pried open, the slight hiss gave off strong lemon and orange notes.

A firm, stubborn head formed as I poured and the head refused to die down even after 15 minutes. I brought the glass to my nose and the Citra hop aroma was overwhelming, but in a good way. And I just dry hopped for 3 days.

I took a long sip of this beer and inhaled some of that glorious hop aroma too. At the cost of sounding repetitive, it had a very strong citrus nose, it was moderately bitter and it was very, very drinkable. A strong malt flavor held up well enough and rounded off a good beer.

I cannot say for sure but there was a bit of a tangy after taste to the beer. I will confirm that once I have another bottle of this beer.

This beer makes for a very enjoyable slow sipper that can be served around a board game with friends.

It was decided that the Cascade Pale Ale would be my house ale, but now this Citra Dark Ale will have to compete with that.