Arbor Ales, UK, Citrus Maxima - £4.05, 4%
DESPITE Arbor being well known for respectfully trampling across boundaries and style guidelines alike, Citrus Maxima is a relatively restrained affair.
A 4% New England style pale ale, even though it shares its name with the pomelo this beer contains nothing of the sort. Instead, this has been brewed with lemons, limes, and single-hopping with Citra.
Pouring the hazy gold of a hefeweizen, Citrus Maxima is the colour of dry straw and opaque throughout. A thin wisp of white foam is all that remains of the head after a brief flash of, creamy bubbles.
The aroma is bright and refreshing, with a dense sweet and sour mix of fruity scents.
The lime leads the way here, with fresh zest adding a mouth-watering edge to a crisp pale malt base and a warming smack of root ginger.
Light bodied and easy drinking, this tacky sweet pale ale is accented by juicy mango and bitter hops.
The focus shifts from lime to lemon drops, with a sweet and tangy mix of lemon balm, black pepper, and thyme.
This is wrapped up in a light finish, characterised by a gentle hop bitterness and the crisp refreshing bite of a freshly cut lime.
Recommended by Michael Bates, Trembling Madness, York
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