Review: Troegs Haze Charmer and Nugget Nectar
Here’s a duo from Hershey, Pennsylvania-based Troegs, a brand new year-round hazy IPA and the once-a-year Nugget Nectar, available in cans for the first time in more than five years.
Troegs Haze Charmer – This is an unusual, dry-hopped hazy pale ale made with malted barley, oats, and unmalted wheat, punched up with Citra, Idaho 7, and Azacca hops. Quite surprising and lots of fun, it’s got loads of fresh fruit — peaches, apricots, grapefruit, and plenty of lemons — plus a hefty note of piney bitterness that washes all the up-front sweetness away. The beer jumps back and forth between its fruit and bitter elements, with a fairly bold, almost creamy body helping to give the entire experience some gravitas. A delight, and all at a mere 5.5% abv. A- / $11 per six-pack
Troegs Nugget Nectar – This annual release is an Imperial red ale, and it’s a monster, hopped with Nugget, Warrior, Tomahawk, Simcoe, and Palisade hops. Thick and unctuous, the beer drinks like a special occasion of its own creation, almost syrupy with resinous notes, a face-punch of hops, orange Creamsicle, and a thick layer of marzipan, dripping with spices. The hops just don’t quit here, pushing a bitter agenda alongside a distinctly fruity one, without stopping. That thick body ultimate evokes a chewy, toffee-like character, and the finish goes on for minutes. 7.5% abv. A- / $13 per four-pack of 16 oz cans
Troegs Haze Charmer
$11
