Sep 18, 2012

Terrapin Side Project 16 Phlux Capacitor

I believe I’ve only had two other Side Project release from Terrapin Beer Company — their Boom Shakalager and Dark Side. This limited run of beers from the Athens, Georgia company don’t come around too often in my area for some reason. Knowing that I wouldn’t get that much of a chance to try it out again, I made sure to pick up this bottle of Side Project 16: Phlux Capacitor.

This 9.8% American Strong Ale is aged in French Oak for an unknown period of time. The beer has a solid hop bite that weighs in at 88 IBU. That’s nearly enough to smack you upside the head, but, sadly, not nearly enough to send you on a dizzying trip through time. Slamming the big brew in a few gulps may cause temporary spacial time travel, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Appearance

Phlux Capacitor pours a dark mahogany with a creamy, dense head that was light tan in color. The brew left a pretty decent amount of lacing considering the higher alcohol content.

Aroma

Plenty of oak and a light touch of vanilla fill the nose along with caramel, burnt sugars, light booze and dark fruits. An earthy hop character is also present, but sits lightly in the background.

Taste

Based on the nose, I knew the beer was going to carry some sweetness, and it does, but not it’s not cloying. The hops certainly arrive as well, bringing a solid bit of bitterness (that 88 IBU mentioned earlier) to the party. There’s a good bit of oak to the flavor, light vanilla, a touch of booze and caramel. The medium bodied brew actually drinks a little lighter than expected and the alcohol is fairly well masked, only arriving in prominence after the beer has warmed in the glass for a good bit. Phlux Capacitor is surprisingly drinkable.

Overall

All in all, I think this is probably may favorite of the three Side Project beers that I’ve tried. It’s got a nice oak character that’s not too prominent and is deceptively drinkable. I wish I had crabbed more than the one bottle I did.

Rating: 4.5/5

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