Ski Jeans

I love when different brewers around the country get together and collaborate.  It generally leads to some pretty unique creations.  Case in point is the fantastically named Ski Jeans, a limited release 7.5% ABV Colorado-style session IPA from the brewers at Austin, Texas's Austin Beerworks and Ft. Collins, Colorado's Odell Brewing.  During the brewing process, the hops are infused with liquid nitrogen, causing them to burst, and then said remnants are used for the beer.  Science!  And aside from some excellent can art, the beer is pretty damn good too.  Pouring a slight hazy gold with a frothy off-white head, the beer smells of citrus, fruit, pine, and florals with just a hint of spice.  The flavor is sweet at first, notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and more citrus hitting the tongue before bittering up a bit on the back end, the notes of pine and malt smoothing things out.  Hops abound.  And considering that 7.5% ABV, the beer is remarkably smooth, perfect for drinking in a lodge on the mountain...or in your living room while your kids watch episodes of "Sesame Street."  I write from experience.

Visit the brewer(s) here and here.