Okay, okay. I admit. I used to be one of those people who hated hoppy beer. I always thought it tasted like lawn clippings. "Bleghlaeghardlag!" was another way I would describe it.
Now my husband? He's a hop man. He likes his beers big. Bold. Punch-you-in-the-tastebuds-with-studded-brass-knuckles-hoppy.
While I was perfectly content drinking my wheat and Belgian beers, I felt like I was doing a great disservice to my beer nerdery by not experimenting with other styles. I knew it was just a matter of finding the right crossover ale that would open my eyes (and palate) to the other side.
One cold, fateful day in February 2008, I discovered Troegs Nugget Nectar. And what a great day it was.
I mean, look at that hop. Freakin' yum.
Nugget Nectar is an imperial amber with a 7.5% abv. There's a citrusy quality to the hops, something that I wasn't familiar with before. It helps brighten the bitterness and makes for a refreshing but still full-bodied beer.
This one's a seasonal so drink now or hold your peace until January 2011.
Brought a case of this up with us for the Snowshoe trip over the past weekend. Love it.
Could just be me, but I thought it was much better this year than last.
Excellent choice for the post-ski/snowboard wind-down.
I'm all about people giving NN love since it tends to get overshadowed by the 'slam.
I am not a hoppy beer fan myself, but I would like to be, so maybe I will have to check this out!
Let me know when you do :) They taste even better in the summertime.