Fantasyland Midwest Coast IPA 6.5% ABV
American IPA
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
“Fantasyland – Noun; a place or circumstance existing only in the imagination or as an ideal; dream world. Origin – Midwest “Coast” of United States.
Need we say more?! Prost!”
-Fantasyland Label
The day breaks and with it the sun shines down, not a cloud to block it’s rays. Unlike last week, the temperature matches the sight of the outdoors. It feels as though I’m in a fantasyland, the ideal of a Spring day is actually upon me, not just a tease.
Am I merely dreaming or has Spring truly descended? Instead of waiting to awake from this possible figment of my imagination I step outside, beer in hand, to soak up the beauty, feel the warmth upon my skin, and try to find a suitable spot to take a picture of this most appealing brew.
Though I am situated in mundane surroundings, with a pour of this beer, I feel all but ordinary. The sight of this copper colored ale, the alluring earthy aroma1, and mellowed well-balanced American IPA flavor transports me to a world of possibilities beyond the restraints of this time, place and, most importantly, frame of mind.
What marvels await me? What creatures will cross my path? Why can’t I have my own adventure in Wonderland, just like Alice?
Alas, I have work to attend to, writing this review for instance. The escape from reality was needed and relaxing, but my beer is near it’s end. Time to return to the here and now, the reality of what needs to be finished and what is yet to be started. I am glad though that I have one more bottle of Fantasyland to take me away again.
-
This beer uses Amarillo, Cascade, Chinook and Nelson Sauvin hops. I’m familiar with the first three, but don’t think I’ve ever had a beer using the Nelson Sauvin, which is from New Zealand. I wonder if Topaz hops are related to Nelson Sauvin, as this beer reminds me a bit of the Schlafly Imperial Topaz, but their only similarity might be their New Zealand origin.
What’s odd is three of the hops used are suppose to provide fruity and/or citrusy aromas and tastes. Near the bottom of my glass I picked up on faint grapefruit and tangerine flavors, but overall earthy flavors are what hit me most. I guess the Chinook hops took over as they have a “strong and distinct pine-like aroma and flavor.”
In any case the four hop varieties along with the American Pale Ale, Bonlunder Munich, and Caramel malts provide this beer with a well balanced easy-drinking flavor profile. Jeez, this footnote is almost longer than the actual review. I should stop typing now. ↩
365 Brew 