something missing?

Once there was a beer store on a street of bars.  It boasted chocolate and jelly along with a fairly eclectic selection of beers.  It was called The Beer Garden, although there wasn't even street seating.  Then, not long ago, they moved house, to c/Juan de Austria 23.  Now there is more space inside to sit and partake of the many beers they have, on tap and in the bottle.  Still don't have a garden, though.

When I arrived it was early, and there were two groups of adults with a baby in each group, one upstairs and one at the bar.  No escape.  I figured I would be better off upstairs, with a little more space.  I ordered my beer first, Birrificio Pontino Cryo Runner Ale.  Glass and peanuts in hand, I went up.

Cryo Runner Ale is listed as a NEIPA, but it's a lot less cloudy than the ones I've seen before.  It's also less pungent.  The taste is quite smooth, though, hinting at citrus and never letting loose with a punch of bitterness.  Even the salt-dusted peanuts couldn't draw out sharper, harsher flavors.  It's similar to a lot of more recent IPAs and APAs in that there is a fruitiness in it that is a lot more delicate than what we've come to expect from a craft IPA.  The heavy hoppiness is absent and the flavor is more subtle, and perhaps more summery.  It would be welcomed by those who find IPAs too bitter, but still want the essence of the tropics they can evoke, as opposed to plain ol' lager.

Oops...hey, bartender

The place is fun, with a carefully careless style of decoration.  The music is of interesting, retro/classic selection, although maybe a tad loud if you're looking to have a quiet conversation.  Just be careful with some of the chairs.  Their joints seem to need some attention.

Some record collection, but the phone has the playlist

Have silent contemplation you will not