New Belgium “Skinny Dip” Beer
I’ve always been a big fan of New Belgium and their predictably Belgium-inspired beers. Even before they finally found distribution in NC, I had tasted and reviewed the vast majority of their catalogue, actively seeking them out whenever in the Pacific Northwest. The Skinny Dip, however, is not a beer that I ever happened across in my travels. I’m unsure how long it’s been around, but I was very happy to see it appear on NC shelves.
The pour of the Skinny Dip is a deep golden that is super clear, with a thin white head. The aroma is mostly malt – more light and grainy than biscuity sweet. In the mouth, this is a crisp and refreshing brew that would make a killer session beer. The malt is crisp and grainy, and there’s just enough of a hop bite around the middle of the tongue to give the beer some kick. In addition to the crisp bite of the grain and hop, there is a dash of kaffir lime tossed in, lending some sweetness and a light citrus tang to the flavor. All this, combined with the forgiving 4.2% abv, makes this an exceedingly tasty and drinkable summer beer.
In some ways, I suppose this is an answer to the Bud Limes and Coronas w/ lime of the world. Generally, I’d find such responses a little tacky or tasteless, but this actually comes out rather tasty and refined, and the lime flavor isn’t overpowering at all (a la Bud Lime), and just serves to set the beer apart. Overall, a good beer, and one I’d like to drink a lot of this summer…
Categories: Beer Reviews, New Belgium, Summer Ale
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