This beer has been on my radar for a while. Not only because its another amazing beer that comes in a can and that its from Santa Cruz, California, a town I called home during high school BUT also because of its ingredients. Siamese Twin is truly a beer that is pushing craft beer in a direction that is exciting. Its not a super hopped IPA or a super strong Imperial Stout, instead its an organic Belgian-style Dubbel brewed with some very unique ingredients. I am really looking forward to this.

From the Uncommon Brewers' site:

"Siamese Twin is a traditional Belgian-style Double seasoned with coriander and entirely uncommon Thai spices. At first surprising, the floral notes of lemongrass and sharper bite of kaffir lime blend with the deep malt of this double to produce a dangerously drinkable beer."

Here we go...

Pour – pours a murky brownish/orangish/rubyish color, its sort of viscous which is a sign of that high alcohol percentage. It slightly resembles an unfiltered fresh apple cider. The head is pretty thing with lots of little tiny bubble uniting to form a half-inch layer of stark white foam. When held to the light this one glows brightly and looks absolutely delicious. 

Aroma – a lot of sweet fruit initially (apples, pears) but there is also some watermelon perhaps a bit of that kaffir lime adding a citrus note. Its a very aromatic beer that is truly inviting. 

Taste – a nice big sip. Lots of flavor complexity. There is definitely the dark fruit that you get with a Belgian dubbel or quad, the apples, pears, prunes etc...but along comes a lime/citrus bitterness in the finish. Its an interesting mix of flavors, one that I can't say I've really experienced in a beer before. Its very refreshing and the high ABV really isn't noticeable. Its just about the perfect beer for 10:30 on a very hot and humid night here in New England. I am truly impressed. 

Overall - Siamese Twin is truly an "uncommon" beer and that is what makes it so great. I truly wish I had a few more of these as I am absolutely loving it.

Would I buy more of it? - certainly. Next time I am back in Santa Cruz I'll have to swing by the brewery. 

Note - Uncommon Brewers also puts out some draft only brews that I'd love to try, especially their Baltic Porters. Cheers to you Uncommon Brewers and to all the "uncommon" beer drinkers out there that yearn for something new and refreshing!