Flying Fish Brewing Company's Exit 11 is the continuation of their Exit Series following the success of their Exit 4 Trippel Ale. Exit 11 is a Belgian inspired American Wheat beer composed of 50% Belgian Pale Malt and 50% White Wheat for its grain foundation and fermented with English Ale Yeast to produce an alcohol content of 6.2% ABV. To support its hoppy claim on its packaging, Exit 11 is spiced with three Pacific Northwest hops including Amarillo, Columbus and Palisade varieties and further dry hopped with the Amarillo selection.
This limited run is packaged in 750 ml. bottles for additional re-fermentation. A recent visit to the brewery showed that a small stack of just a few cases remained as founder and general manager Gene Muller claimed that those were the final cases and whatever is found in stores is they only supply currently available. As a result, I picked up a six pack and the State's limit with three Exit 11 bottles.
A generous serve into a red wine glass showcases a golden white haze with generous carbonation forming a modes white head that dissipates rapidly but leaves behind artful lacing throughout the sides of the glass.
An exceptional and crisp hop bouquet fills the air with scents of grapefruit and lemons, subduing the usual bittering aromas of the hop in favor of the more lively pine and fruit sensations. This pleasing scent balances a smooth alcoholic vapor that further compliments a delicate wheat and malt foundation.
Immediate pleasure and satisfaction is experienced as one takes the first savor. Multiple characters of surprising and refreshing flavors explode on the palate and immediately begin to break away in layers. Its fruity hop profile gives way to a combination of the alcohol and the wheat as a thin malt grain at the foundation concludes the symphony. The aftertaste presents a second opportunity to enjoy the flavors.
This wheat ale is amazingly crisp, fruity and citrusy and fulfills its purpose as a light summer beer for enjoying down on the Jersey shore.
Flying Fish Brewing Company's Exit 11 is an inspirational American wheat ale showcasing originality in its hop construction over a well built wheat and malt foundation. Quality ingredients set the standard, but originality and creativity elevate this beer to magnificent proportions. A fruity and sensual three-variety Pacific Northwest hop profile compliments a balanced wheat and barley malt fermented with its English Ale yeast. The exceptional flavors and aromas uplift the senses and elevates this beer to the second position on my
Best Beers list.
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