Twine Time - Independence Brewing Review
Twine Time is a Hazy Pale Ale that commemorates an old Austin, Texas, radio show of the same name hosted by Paul Ray. Independence Brewing created this beer in memory of Paul and his beloved radio show. Truly, there isn’t much more Austin, Texas, than that. And a good story is often the start of a good beer.
Independence starts Twine Time with Two-row, Pilsner, White Wheat, and Rolled Oats, and then they blast it with flavor and aroma from HBC 586, HBC 630, and Azacca hops (Independencebrewing.com). This Hazy Pale Ale is supposed to bring some big flavors of tropical fruits, sweet esters, creamy peach, and banana lactones (a type of ester). It comes in at a very approachable 5.2% ABV and 35 IBUs. Sounds like a great beer to have in hand for those Saturday night radio shows. Let’s see how it stacks up in our first impressions.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Hazy as can be, almost to the point of being opaque. Twine Time is straw-colored and topped with a pleasant and persistent cream-colored head.
On the Nose--Lots of mango from the Azacca hops, and a slight spiciness at the back. After the mango and spice comes lots of fresh tropical flavors and an almost caramel cream aroma. Very approachable! Let’s get after it.
On the Palate--That strong mango from the aroma pierces through the smoothness of this beer and is followed quickly by some pineapple and papaya flavors. Twine Time is medium-bodied and as silky as you could ask for in a Hazy Pale Ale. It has a nice spiciness that Independence alluded to and it adds to a bit of the floral bitterness that balances the sweetness out. I do get some creaminess, but it is more of a caramel cream to me compared to a creamy peach as Independence described it. And after a few drinks I started to pick up on the banana flavors, but it wasn’t as prominent as you might taste in some Belgian ales, though it was present and quite pleasant.
Food Pairings: Independence suggests pairing this Hazy with spicy hard cheeses, beer battered fish tacos with mango salsa, grilled romaine, cacio e pepe, jambalaya, and sriracha peach crisp with vanilla ice cream. Now that’s some adventurous eating.
Verdict:
Honestly, I was slightly worried with the low ABV of this Hazy Pale Ale that it would lack a bit of the malt necessary to make it smooth and creamy, but Independence proved me wrong. It is as silky as a drinker could possibly want, and the low ABV makes it extremely sessionable. Twine Time has some fantastic fruity notes, but also the right amount of bitterness to keep it balanced. I loved the touch of spice and floral notes from the HBC hops, and the addition of Azacca adds that fresh and juicy mango that puts this beer over the top.
Check out Twine Time if you have a chance. It is sweet but balanced, and the low ABV makes it a beer you can have a few of while you listen to the radio, as it was brewed to commemorate.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew