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I have never been a believer in beer styles being appropriate for only certain times of the year. Hand me a delicious Stout in July and I’m just as happy a camper as if I’d been handed a crispy Pilsner. Sometimes, just sipping an “off-season” beer can bring back fond memories and a sense of happiness for the upcoming arrival of that season. With my first taste of two of Midland Brewing Company‘s Smoothie Series beers on a cool fall evening, I found out I was missing summer.

I admit that I don’t know much (okay, anything) about Bangkok. In fact, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the city’s name is that particularly awful Lost episode all about Jack’s ridiculous tattoo. That’s unfair to Bangkok, I know. I hoped One Night in Bangkok: Tangerine Basil Smoothie IPA would make up for it.

One Night in Bangkok Smoothie IPA – 6.5%: 8 out of 10

I never would have thought of putting Thai basil – or any herb, honestly – into a Smoothie IPA, but this was one of the most refreshing herbal flavors I’d ever tasted. The sharp minty flavor of the basil balanced out the tangy tangerine. A dash of lactose added a creamy mouthfeel too. It really, truly. tasted like a smoothie, and one I was actually happy to drink.

Sweet Dreams Peach Smoothe IPA – 6.6%: 6 out of 10

With my Smoothie IPA interest piqued, I cracked open another can from the Smoothie Series: Sweet Dreams Peach Smoothie IPA. Full of peach puree and lactose, I was looking forward to sipping this one. The first taste didn’t pull me in as much as One Night in Bangkok did, but I did enjoy it the more I drank it. In my opinion, peach is a difficult flavor and I didn’t immediately taste it that much. The lactose seemed to be in the forefront for me with a hint of sourness that made me think more of orange or tangerine. I was expecting more of a peaches and cream combination, but the mouthfeel just wasn’t soft enough for that. Still, the pale orange beer glowed in my glass with a big, fluffy white head, that gave off a pie with whipped cream vibe.

Each of these beers gave me distinctly different vibes: tropical summer nights from One Night in Bangkok and warm family dinners from Sweet Dreams. Either one would be great to bring to a gathering and I think it would be fun to hear what sorts of feelings and reactions each been elicits in people. Would we all envision palm trees and lapping waves; cozy fires and sweet peach pie? I’d love to hear first sip impressions.

 


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