Flight Friday: Cosmic Crown

Looking back over the nearly eight months of beer reviews I've undertaken, I was somewhat surprised to realize that I had yet to feature a beer from one of our region's iconic craft breweries: Cigar City Brewing. Cigar City was a trailblazer, helping put Tampa Bay on the map as a hub for craft beer. I recall the excitement of discovering Jai Alai in my hometown back in early 2013 and 2014, long before I moved to Tampa. It was one of the factors that fueled my eagerness to relocate here, given the burgeoning beer scene. Much of today's thriving beer culture owes a nod to this brewery.

I've been keen to showcase more local brews, and while Jai Alai will always have a special place in my heart (perhaps a future review awaits), I wanted to spotlight a beer I hadn't tried yet—one I could experience for the first time and, in the process, celebrate this exceptional craft brewery. That's why I've chosen to review "Cosmic Crown," a Belgian Golden Strong Ale, today. Let's dive into what makes this beer truly remarkable.

Appearance:

This beer pours a delightful golden hue, crowned with a generous frothy head. It boasts a slight cloudiness but doesn't quite qualify as hazy.

Aroma:

The aroma is a captivating blend of sweet alcohol esters, imbued with notes of banana and pear, accompanied by a subtle hint of cloves. A delicate undertone of sweet tropical fruit lingers in the background.

Flavor:

Initially, I'd categorize Cosmic Crown as exhibiting more bitterness than your typical beer in this class, or even within the Belgian Tripel category. It combines the forward flavors of sweet alcohol, banana, and pear with a peppery and slightly spicy character. What sets it apart, however, is the infusion of galaxy hops, which competes with the traditional Belgian yeast strain and imparts a hint of tropical fruit. When these flavors intertwine, they create a harmonious symphony on the palate, making it challenging to discern individual components. The beer also offers a velvety smooth texture, with a touch of alcohol warmth that, surprisingly, remains balanced amidst the other intricate flavors. I appreciate the slightly elevated bitterness, which counteracts the sweetness in this brew. In essence, this Belgian Strong Golden Ale strikes a perfect balance between flavors and strength. I'm awarding it a solid 8.4/10, and I encourage you, if possible, to savor this brew either in Cigar City's taproom or by picking up a pint from local stores in the Tampa Bay area, as it's available year-round. Until next time, I appreciate everyone who stopped by, never stop being good to each other! Cheers!