Rack on

The Eight Degrees eighth anniversary series reached half way with number four: Purple Ball. It's a brut IPA dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc; 6.3% ABV. These tend to be quite pale but this is a cheery shade of amber. There a malt sweetness in the aroma which, again, is out of keeping but very welcome. The texture is big and thick, though doesn't support much flavour. There's a dry bitterness which rises slowly, sprinkled with jaffa orange and a sandalwood spicing. Despite the strength it's very refreshing and easy-drinking, if a little lacking in complexity. The label says it resembles the Franciacorta wines of Italy, and while I don't think I've ever drank one, I doubt this is true. Overall, however, I enjoyed it. Brut purists may say it's not properly dry, but I'll take balance over purity every time.

Orange Ball is orange and is brewed with oranges, as well as passionfruit and guava. At 3.9% ABV it's designed to be easy summer drinking. The aroma is nicely tropical, with a hint of sweet Lilt about it. The texture is as thin as might be expected, with a sharp carbonic bite. This was supposed to be offset by the use of oats, but it isn't. The fruit flavours get a good outing, and it tastes properly juicy even if it doesn't feel it. The sorbet effect of the passionfruit is especially prominent, lasting long into the finish. Tea-like tannins and some hop bittering help balance the sweetness. Texture issues aside, I think this achieves what it sets out to do, and it's quite similar to the other tropical fruit flavoured pale ales on the market. If you're an Elvis Juice sort of person, this is a beer for you.

Just three to go now. I'm expecting something really special when we get to black, but before that let's see what green and maroon bring.