Summit Unchained Series # 19 – Make It So – A First Sampling

It’s always a special treat when a new beer arrives at mybeerbuzz headquarters.  I’ll admit that this beer arrived the day before my midnight drive to the beach, so what better reason to sample it with my family on the beach…and with Earl Grey Tea and Star Trek expertise in the mix, this was perfect.

In case you’re not familiar, today we’re sampling Summit Brewing Unchained Series # 19…and the beer is called “Make It So.”  This beer was created by Brewer Nick Hempfer and it is an Extra Special Bitter ale brewed with Earl Grey tea,

First off, if you haven’t heard about this beer, be sure to check it out here.  The Unchained Series brings us some unusual combinations, and this one is no different.  Think ESB and Earl Grey tea….and add in some interesting flavors…and there you have it.

Summit Unchained Series # 19 is named Make It So and Mrs. BeerBuzz was quick to point out the Star Trek/Picard connection.  Brother BeerBuzz is an Earl Grey tea expert, and he was a bit more critical (but only about the Earl Grey tea authenticity).  We all found the beer to have aromas and flavors that leaned a little more on the herbal and floral side of the fence, but the EBS roots are there in the background.  The balance is nice and at 5.3%-AbV you may have to taste a more than one to be sure.  We did think the herbal complexity came up a little more as the beer warmed, but the balance was better when the beer was a little cooler.

In the end this beer leans a little more toward the herbal side of the fence, but not in a bad way.  The balance is nice and the tea flavors are prominent.  Be sure to try this beer for yourself and more importantly, let me know what YOU think.