Playing the Poet

◎ Appearance

Playing the Poet presents a pale straw hue with excellent clarity and a delicate white head that settles to a thin collar of lace. The carbonation is gentle and persistent, creating a fine bead that rises lazily through the glass. Light catches the beer's translucent body, revealing its refined, understated presence.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with bright citrus—predominately orange zest and candied lemon—layered beneath a subtle funky complexity from the mixed culture fermentation. Aged Sterling hops contribute a faint, elegant herbal whisper, while the wheat and oat base adds a soft, grainy undertone. Two years in the foeder have mellowed any aggressive notes into a cohesive, inviting bouquet.

◐ Taste

Tartness dominates the palate immediately, crisp and mouth-puckering, followed by citrus flavors that persist throughout the mid-palate. The mixed culture character emerges as a pleasant, restrained funkiness—never harsh or aggressive—while the grain bill provides a subtle dry, wheaten backbone. Bitterness remains minimal at 10 IBU, allowing the souring organisms and citrus to command the flavor profile without competition.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and crisp, with lingering tartness and a whisper of orange peel that fades gradually. A pleasant dryness persists without becoming astringent, inviting the next sip.