Long Trail Ale

A couple weeks ago, I picked up a Long Trail variety box.  I don't think I've had anything by this brewer before, so this should be interesting.  The first one I'm trying is the Long Trail Ale:

Vittles:
Northern German Altbier
4.6% abv
28 IBUs

Score:
Appearance: 9/10
Aroma: 22/25
Taste: 36/40
Mouthfeel: 8/10
Style: 3/5
Drinkability: 8/10
Overall: 86/100

Impression:
This seems to be the first Amber Hybrid Beer category beverage that I've had since I started this blog.  I think I could have just as easily lumped this under Dusseldorf Altbiers, but the NGA label seemed just a little more accurate.  Anyway, this beer looks pretty tasty to me.  The aroma is well-balanced, but not very strong -- I smell wheat notes, along with woody/earthy hints, but a slight whiff of banana surprised me a bit.  It's not an unwelcome surprise.  I get the banana again, very very faintly, right at the front, then a nice mix of hops, malt, and wheat flavors takes over.  None of the flavors really jump out at me, but it's a satisfying beer with a crisp, clean finish.  If the rest of Long Trail's beers are just as good, I might be looking at adding another regular to my rotation.

Cheers!