Santa Barbara Wet Sand Fresh Hop Pale

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 9

Although this first showed up at O'Brien's during the excellent 1st Annual Wet Hop Festical at O'Brien's last weekend, it wasn't until last night that I got a real good feel for this particular beer -- off the hand-pump, no less. In a word, this is mighty tasty indeed,

Although not as "grassy" as many other wet-hopped beers, this still has a certian "vibe" to the aroma and flavor profile that says "fresh hops a'plenty". But like many other wet-hopped beers that O'Brien's has been featuring ast of late, the mass quantities of fresh/undried hops do not neccesarily imply that this is yet another Wesr Coast Hop Bomb in the bitterness department -- to which I say "Bravo". :)

A very solid and enjoyable American Pale Ale, with additional pleasant touch being that this is quite "sessionable" IMO. A little roughy around the edges compared to some of the wet-hopped beers I've had lately (read: Russian River Hoptime Harvest), but considering that this was probably the brewer's first-time out of the gates with this type of brewing, a very worthwhile effort, indeed.

Recommended.
//TB

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

Light gold color. Small head. Aroma is malty, fruity and a touch floral hops. A medium bodied Pale Ale. Malts are fruity and sweet. Hops are floral and a touch earthy. Nice balance. Medium bitterness. Touch of orange, Nice application on wet hops. Smooth taste. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 5 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 6

This brew pours with a slighlty cloudy golden body topped by a this head with lots of lacing. The aroma is sweet and fruity with a minty character and a little hops. The flavor is sweet, fruity and vinious with a little mint and a touch of hops. Light bodied and dry.