Terrapin Gamma Ray

Welcome to Gamma Ray. And no, I don't mean the Germanic Power Metal group of the same name. Take your coat off, pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable.

This self-proclaimed "WheatWine Ale Brewed with Honey" clocks in at a rather ballsy 10.8%ABV. But you know what? It hides it pretty well.

But backing up a second. What about the honey? Yes, there's no denying that it's in there. But not in any sort of agressive manner, mind you. And this is no Mead, or Braggot, or any other heavy-handed messy-ass honey'ed concoction. No, this is Wheatwine first and foremost, with the honey playing a nice supporting role.

With the massive amounts of both malted wheat and two types of honey, you'd be right to assume that this is ungodly sweet shite. But you'd be wrong. There is enough bitterness (from Mt Hood and Pearle hops, it's said) to keep this nicely balanced. It is on the big-and-sweet side of the spectrum, but no more than, say, an English Barleywine.

After the disappointing Rye Squared, this is a nice return to form for The Turtle. A good beer to drown my sorrows over the SD Chargers losss -- if I could give a shit about football, that is!
//TB