Now on Tap at Elysian

Loser is a strong, hoppy pale ale that uses Japanese Sorachi Ace hops. The Sorachi hops have a lemony aroma and flavor that's different from the usual grapefruit or pine character of American hops (Elysian first used the Sorachis a few months ago in their Konishiki Imperial IPA). Loser is a tasty beer, so hopefully it'll continue to pour at the Elysian brewpubs and not just at the festival. The beer weighs in at around 6.5%, so the bands should be feeling pretty good if they have a few pints before hitting the stage.

The other two recent additions:

Saison Elysée is a dark, spiced version of a Belgian farmhouse ale that uses pan-roasted cumin seeds for flavor. I can't place the flavor of cumin, so maybe I should do some huffing in the spice aisle at the grocery store and try the beer again.

Poison Dwarf Scottish-Style Ale is a hoppy Pacific Northwest take on a style that's usually more malt-forward. The use of brown sugar provides sweetness, but the Cascade and Centennial hops take center stage. It's a pretty easy drinker and not as heavy as you might think from the dark color created by Special B malt.