Platform Brewing Co. - "Cherimoya Project" pale ale

Here's another from my summer trip to Ohio, this time from Platform Brewing Co., a medium-sized brewery in Ohio City just a few miles south of Great Lakes Brewing. Platform's stuff is readily available in the area; I got this one in the walk-in cooler at the Giant Eagle in Berea. It's their "The Cherimoya Project", a 6.80% ABV pale ale made with Meyer lemons and cherimoya.

I had no idea what cherimoya was until I had this beer. Research shows that cherimoya is a fruit native to South America, and has a green rind with a sweet creamy pulp. Mark Twain called the fruit "the most delicious fruit known to man." So it's no wonder why the folks at Platform used cherimoya in their beer.

A cherimoya.

In fact, this beer is the fourth and final beer in The Cherimoya Project's line. Other iterations include one with kaffir lime leaves (a la Indra Kunindra) and a dry-hopped pomelo ale. Interesting! I wish I could find those two to try, but for now, let's dive into this one.

In the glass, it's a light amber color. The beer is heavier than I expected. It's got a strong showing of hop flavors (not bitter, though, just tangy) and the lemon is just enough to be present but not overpowering. in contrast to lemon-drop aroma I sensed earlier. It's medium bodied, balanced, and has a nice zing of pale-ale crispness that's great for the season.

Cost-wise, it's $10.99, so within the acceptable 6-pack range. Not a bad ale if you're into pales, and the addition of lemon makes it a little lighter and zestier than other ales. Definitely a tasty pint!