Tallgrass Halcyon Unfiltered Wheat

hal·cy·on   [hal-see-uhn] Show IPA
adjective Also, hal·cy·o·ni·an  [hal-see-oh-nee-uhn] Show IPA, hal·cy·on·ic  [hal-see-on-ik] Show IPA.
1.
calm; peaceful; tranquil: halcyon weather.
2.
rich; wealthy; prosperous: halcyon times of peace.
3.
happy; joyful; carefree: halcyon days of youth.
4.
of or pertaining to the halcyon or kingfisher.
noun
5.
a mythical bird, usually identified with the kingfisher, said to breed about the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea, and to have the power of charming winds and waves into calmness.
6.
any of various kingfishers, especially of the genus Halcyon.

And this beer, a summer-y wheat by Tallgrass Brewing, of Manhattan, Kansas. My first time tapping them, after Rob has giving samples for so long. About time I got around to it. Here are my thoughts on the beer of wind and wave (and kingfishers).

Clouded, pale apricot/orange color, good white head, long-lasting, sturdy and staying. Appealing and inviting.

Aroma: Bright citrus, yeast, wheat-y, orange and lemon, light, yet fresh and zesty. Sweet and slightly sour, at once.

Taste: Sweetness again, lush in the mouth, smooth and delicious. Tasty stuff, definitely downable, uncommonly refreshing. Wheat texture comes right out, sweetness matches a small amount of sour, and the combination is an utter delight. And now, bitterness rises up, hops come screaming out.

I'm going to pause now, and quote the brewery...We start with raw Kansas white wheat in the mix to give it a nice edge, but what really makes it shine is the hops. We use “hop-bursting” late in the brewing process and this gives Halcyon its palate of tropical fruit flavors & aromas with a bright and refreshing taste like the best days of summer.

This is really yummy. That's all I've got to say. Been turning the heads of some "I don't like wheat beer" types around here. A bit bolder, hoppier, brighter, and more complex than Oberon. Sweet, bitter, a touch sour, and crazily thirst quenching. Like this one lots. Good work, Tallgrass, I remain a fan of your work!