My first sip of today’s bright and crisp, hoppy and dank SMaSHy Trails left me speechless. I couldn’t believe it! How did Lumberbeard create such a deliciously innovative brew so quickly? They’re only 8 months old! 

Then, I talked to Founder and Head Brewer Bret Gordon, who told me that he honed his skills at The Bruery in Southern California. Suddenly, it all made sense!

While there, Bret got a crash course in creative beer. And, now that he has his own brewery, he’s free to craft unique brews on his own terms. That innovative spirit is on full display in SMaSHy Trails.

To create this sunshine-hued beauty, Bret used a type of locally grown, single-farm barley that originated in the Czech Republic, but now features northwest terroir. “It’s super clean, but gives you this really amazing lemongrass note,” he says.

Then, he added a heap of Mosaic Hops, because “the tropical flavor just goes beautifully with the malt character.” 

I 100% agree! Notes of dank papaya and snappy green grape swirl against the bright lemon-zest flavors from the malt, while just a touch of biscuity flavor holds it all together. There’s a very slight touch of pith on the finish, along with a faint whisper of earthy pine to remind you that, despite the crystal-clear sunbeam color, this is very much an IPA.

Not only is this our first beer from Lumberbeard, it’s the first time ANY of their brews have left Spokane County, Washington. And I think they’re poised to make some serious waves in the craft scene. If you want to go along for the ride, jump on board now. 

Rated 4.18 on untappd