Bay cans

Two cans from Galway Bay today. I'm used to trying their new releases on draught at The Black Sheep so this feels a bit weird. Still, at least it means I'm not blocking the bar trying to get an in-focus shot of the tap badge.

I hadn't realised that Oregon Grown was going to be a series, but here's a second one, following on from the one with Idaho 7, El Dorado and Strata reviewed in June's round-up. This time we get Amarillo, Azacca, Summit and, unlike the first one, it's clear! West coast represent! The aroma is an unsettling mix of spices and plastic with an overlay of fruit candy. There's a firm heft to the mouthfeel; a greasy thickness entirely in keeping with its 6% ABV. And also in keeping with that, and the west-coast sensibility, is a punchy, waxy bitterness, kicking hard from the first sip. Grapefruit peel, lime zest, concentrated pine essence: all the classic hits I associate with Citra and Cascade with neither of them involved. Azacca's fruit-chew sweet does make a certain lighter contribution, but it's a sideshow. This is one of those so-worthwhile west coast revivals. There's tonnes of hop complexity to unpick, but it's equally as enjoyable as a loud rock 'n' roll quaffer.

And for the season: Oktoberfest Märzen, a wholesome and soft-textured 5.8%-er. The colour is darker than a typical Oktoberfestbier, but not quite the dark amber of American versions (and the ones the Germans make for America these days). This middle ground serves it well. I'm not bothered about authenticity but am bothered about having a cuddly, warming autumnal lager that's satisfying to drink outdoors while soaking up the last rays from the low-hanging sun. This is that. While very much malt-forward, the Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops add a twist of orange rind, spreading some marmalade on your crusty rye bread, with a promise of winter in some subtle cinnamon and nutmeg spicing. The smoothness allows it to slip back easily, though I suspect it's too filling to make a proper session of, at least for me. I hope this becomes an annual release because it's spot-on for the time of year.

No qualms here about Galway Bay becoming a packaged beer operation, much as I'd like to be back getting in the way at the 'Sheep.