Reviewed: Great Notion Space Paint
From Great Notion Brewing – Once upon a time, in the double-dry hopped universe of Nelson and Galaxy hops….A DIPA took a voyage to outer space and collided with an asteroid of Sauvignon Blanc grapes – and such an encounter created Space Paint.
Great Notion Brewing – Space Paint – 16 oz. can poured into a Renaissance Glass – 8.5% abv.
Great Notion is known for the whacky, fanciful combination of fruit and spice additions in their library of beers. Previously a rare treat at bottle shares, expanded shipping options brought a case of Great Notion right to my California doorstep. Excited to have their beer again, I cracked open Space Paint to see where they stand in 2021.
Appearance: Golden color with a moderate haze. Moderate retention, but good lacing on the glass as I sipped it.
Aroma: The initial whiff of gooseberries and lychee clues you in on the fruit addition to this beer. Behind that is a more familiar dank/wine hop combo; an excellent crop selection of Nelson Sauvin.
Flavor: Medium hop bitterness, pine resin, diesel, overripe peach, all wrapped around a spritzy, sweet citrus I attribute to the white wine fermentation. There is a bit of chewiness from the malt bill, which I like; it provides sweetness to play off the hop and wine flavor. Hides its alcohol well, except for a stray hop burp providing a bit of warming.
Overall: Great Notion made a name for its quirky fruit-inspired beers, even before slushee beers dominated the craft beer ticker scene. It is refreshing to see them ply their craft in a streamlined, well-executed package. I always tell people, if you like IPAs, drink more white wine. The same flavors are there! Great Notion integrated excellent hops with wine must, and 2+2 = 5.
