Photosphere Phil by Clown Shoes brewing is a 7.5% ABV American IPA
Label:
Most humans recline on a chaise lounge by the pool, or at the beach. Not Phil, the Clown Shoe rep for CA. Phil motors up to the photosphere of our sun, where a temperature of 6000 K does not defeat his epic ability to chill. The beer is built off the recipe for Space Cake, but with a lower ABV, more crisp body, and Citra hops.
==Introduction==
A California only Clown Shoes release. I was kind of hoping we saw a Unidragon variant, but oh well. Maybe next time. Never the less, I still wanted to bring this one forward as it is a lighter version of the Space Cake but with Citra hops. I obtained this one at the local Ramirez Warehouse in Boyle Heights. I really liked Space Cake so I am definitely curious to see how this one changes with less ABV. Let’s check how the session feels with this beer.
Aromas:
Mango, oranges, orange peel, lemons, grapefruit, piney, floral, grassy and citrus hops, tropical fruis like pineapple, dragon fruit, guava, lemon peel, papaya, lychee, cherries, tangerine, biscuit bread and berry notes.
Flavors:
Citrus, lemony, grapefruit, piney, floral, grassy and dank hops,Orange peel, great amount of tropics of guava, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, honey dew melon, papaya, pineapple, strawberry notes, lychees, sweetened condensed milk hints, caramel, raspberry hints, biscuit bread, caramel, toffee, tangerines, peaches apricots, chocolate cherry hints, cream-sickle hints, vanilla, gummy bears and prickly pears.
Aftertaste:
Tropical fruit notes linger, lots of orange, grapefruit, stone fruit hints, biscuit bread, sweet cream and cherry hints. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, golden honey light body and easy to drink.
Overall:
I don’t know what to say but this beer is just as awesome and more drinkable than Space Cake. A perfect IPA!! Some of the elements I enjoyed from space cake are there for sure and while some of the flavors are hinted than they were in Space cake, the other citrus and tropical notes are more forward. This maybe a California only beer but I’m sure you can get this online before it is gone. In fact, get several as this beer is very easy going!
Anime Corner:
Koriand’r a.k.a Starfire from Teen Titans was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a character that would pair with the fiery sun but also the whole Space Cake aspect of the beer. Her colors go well with the color’s of Phil’s couch and just lounging. Starfire is as strong as the strength of the hops but is also as gentle as the drinkability and lighter side of the space beer.
Sources:
http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/art/Starfire-Teen-titan-511386913