Beer # 197 Lion Grass Highlander Brew Co

Lion Grass Blonde Ale

Highlander Brew Company

South River, Ontario, Canada
Independent
Flavoured Blonde Ale 5.4 % ABV Brown Glass Bottle 650 ml
$5.00 (Canadian) At LCBO 

Twitter: @HighlanderBrew

Highlander Brew Company is up there on my list of favourite new breweries. I have done their three core beers a while back Here, Here, and Here, and I was thrilled to find this one in the local LCBO, just recently.

Tonight's beer is a blonde ale that has been flavoured with organic lemongrass and dandelion leaves.

Onto the tasting...

Pours a cheery gold colour with a fluffy off-white head made up of tiny bubbles. Nose is very green and herbaceous with a distinct lemon scent and a hint of lemon bread.First sip gives us sweet lemon and lemon curd, with a chicory/coffee note from the dandelions. There is a slight herbal bitterness, that tastes similar to a frisee salad with a citrus dressing. Finish brings out a touch of barley and bread before going into a tangy lemon zest aftertaste. The beer tastes very green, lots of leafiness to it fresh and bright  ( a nice change from all of the heavy stouts and ales I have been tasting lately). There is also a very wine-like feel to it I get a nice grapey taste with the citrus and there are moments I feel like I am tasting a sauvignon blanc or a light riesling. Aeration brings out a good hit of malt, tangy sweet and dark malt sugars and a hint of caramel right at the back.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 

Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 5/6 PASS
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience:  5/6 PASS



Final Thoughts:

Well that is a different, interesting, and very refreshing beer. It has a lot going on in the flavour department while still being light. You definitely need to get one of these in you. If only to say you have had a beer made with dandelions.


CJT


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