Surly X-tra Citra Pale Ale

I remember hearing rumors and whispers about this beer months ago, then a blast of promotions on Twitter at select bars, with summer-y themes running through them all. Sunglasses, sharing drawings of the sun by patrons at participating pubs, hot weather clothing worn by the staff and reps. A photo went out with brewery owner Omar Ansari with McKenzie's Pub owner Brian McKenzie both in shorts and pink Surly tank-tops on Hennepin Avenue, in early March. Moments later, it began to snow.

Now, the cans are out, and I finally got one. It's rarely getting past the 40's these days, and the skies have been dark and cloudy. Come on, Spring! I mean, really, Come On! It's officially spring, according to the calendar, but it doesn't feel like it. I guess we can drink this and dream, eh? So, here we go, X-Tra Citra Pale Ale, alf. by vol. 4.5%, 1 pint can. Brewed and canned by Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center, MN.

Lightly haze, bright golden color, with a big white head.

Aroma is all citrus and sunshine, no two ways about it. Bold and beckoning lemon and grapefruit. Mango, papaya. Beautiful. Lovely. Mmmm. Digging' it.

In the mouth: More vibrant citric flavors bounce on the palate, with a minor hop bitterness. Very light bodied, with a persistent delightful citric hop flavor continuing through the finish. So drinkable it's crazy. This one will be a hit in the summer-time, that's for certain. The low price will inevitably aid in it's success ($6.99 for 4 16-ounce cans, where I bought it.)

My only real caveat is that I find that the Citra hop is delicious, but can be tiresome. I can easily get bored with it. It works best in tandem, such as when paired with Mosaic, as in Todd the Axe-Man from Surly, or Rush River's Scenic Pale Ale. That's just me, though. It might be just heavenly to you.