Highland Brewing Cattail Peak
I do believe that this is my first brew from North Carolina’s Highland Brewing Company. It’s a shame, however, that my introduction to the company has to go through one of my least favorite beer styles — the wheat ale. I’ve got to give the brewery and this beer some credit though, — this 4.7% ABV brew wasn’t about to let my preconceived expectations ruin a possibly solid relationship.
With most wheat beers of this style, there’s an overly strong banana character due to the yeast used in the brewing process. It’s an element in the style that I’m not particularly fond of. Cattail Peak, on the other hand, has very little of that character, instead opting for a more earthy flavor profile with hints of wheat, grain and grassy hops. It’s a combination that makes for one of the easiest drinking (for me that is) wheat ales I’ve come across.
Appearance
Cattail Peak pours a hazy, pale amber in color with a sizable white head.
Aroma
Subtle wheat, light grain, a touch of herbal notes and grassy hops in the tail end.
Taste
The flavor profile is fairly subtle though the wheat and a light biscuity malt character do arrive first as herbal and spice notes wash over the palate gently. There is a touch of banana in the mix, but it’s fleeting. The hop profile is a little stronger than most beers of this style that I’ve had, but still on an acceptable level. The beer has a crisp mouthfeel that, in conjunction with its delicate flavors, makes for a refreshing beer.
Overall
I may not be a fan of the style as a whole, but that won’t stop me from continually trying to branch out from my core favorites. Highland Brewing’s Cattail Peak is a brew that certainly helps in my endeavor of accepting wheat ales into a regular appearance in the fridge. It’s a well crafted Summer-time brew with just the right amount of wheat and hops to make for a thirst quenching refresher.
Rating:3.25/5