into the sunset of summer

It's the month of darkness, of creeping horror, of the best of holidays.  At yet, I ended up with an IPA to open it.  Not only that, but crafty IPA more than a craft one.  How dare I!  Well, Alhambra is not a bad beer, especially in the bottle, and we do have to try things of all kinds.  You never know when you'll be in a situation with limited options.  It looks appetizing anyway, Esencia Citra IPA does.  But you can bet I'll be looking for more frightening choices later on.

Instant lemony aroma, kind of a darker color than expected, but not that unusual for IPAs.  Good head, very bubbly.  Bitter, citrus and bread come in together, it's a little surprisingly grainy for an IPA.  The main flavors are definitely ale-y, though, with a very traditional bitter beeriness and a modern slice of Citra hops.  It tends toward lemon or grapefruit rather than tropical fruits, leaving a feeling of wanting to be a summer beer.  Still, there is a certain weight behind it while you drink, a little more muscle than most summertime, beach-lounging beers dare to show.  It's not quite as clean as you might think from the aroma, but it's not an overwhelming amount of stickiness.  The aftertaste tingles with light citrus, floating you on to the next sip without the need to hurry.  In that, being a beer to take at your leisure, it is a beer for all seasons.

not quite pushing boundaries

I have a small soft spot for Alhambra in a bottle, better than draft in my opinion.  Although, like so many, the brewery has been absorbed into a much bigger one, there are some interesting things to be found.  A barrel aged lager, for one, kept in rum barrels for a sweet, sweet finish: Barrica de Ron Granadino.

Well, it is a nice ruddy color, almost extra bubbly, keeps only a thin head.  There's a definite whiff of alcoholic barrel.  It also smells a little fruity, but more of a banana or melon than an ale-y citrus.  The rum sweetness comes through, although I find it subdued.  There's a touch of banana in the flavor as well.  It may be the lightness of the lager versus a heavier stout, but the taste is more rum candy flavoring than actual rum.  The beer is not especially heavy by itself - again, lager.  It's a smooth taste, though, no rough edges on it at all.  Nice drinking beer, something a little daring, but not a big surprise.  While pleasant, it's a beer that plays it safe.

Supplier: La Cervecista
Price: €1.90