The Secret Seven Manifesto

Our network has been intrigued this week by the arrival of packages of beer from the newest beery cabal: Secret Seven. We are sure all will be revealed in time, but we thought we would spare a few lines to talk about the beer.

It is indeed hoppy, and amber in colour, but lacks the body and amber malt flavour for an American amber style. The aroma is complex. Full of citrus, mostly lemon and a hint of grapefruit and orange. Then comes a hint of malt and below that some yeast character. This is a young beer.

The flavour is very hop centric, again with the lemon citrus flavours. We find the hops American in character, with hints of pine lurking in the lemon patch, but no stone or tropical fruit. It is very dry, a bit astringent, less than optimally carbonated, and a tad thin. As a drinking experience, at first the lack of balance and astringency were off-putting, but in the end it is an enjoyable. Those of you who don’t like lingering bitterness will need to look elsewhere. This one builds.