Or Xata is an American Blonde Ale brewed by The Bruery, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a pilsener glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The ale pours a crystal-clear deep gold and is topped a finger-thick cap of bubbly, white froth that dissipates rapidly. An aggressive pour yields the best results. The glass is absent any lace or residue but ample effervescence is visible as bubbles continuously stream upward.
Aroma
Its aroma is sweet and spicy with a scent of vanilla and cinnamon.
Flavor
The palate begins with a spicy burst of cinnamon and recedes to a mellow base of grains and lactose. A mild bitterness of peppery hops greets the finish with flavors of vanilla, lactose, and more cinnamon.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is relatively smooth on the draw that becomes downright creamy on the back. In fact, its sweetness gets to be cloying. The body is a shade over medium with carbonation to match.
Overall
Its inviting aroma is nothing short of fantastic. Its appearance could be better but that’s nitpicking. Its palate is delightful but could use a bit more spice, booze, or bitterness to counter that sweetness. And its sticky feel becomes tiresome after a while. The Or Xata is a pretty sweet ride but one that could use a chaser of water to go with it.
Recommended Pairings
The Bruery recommends the following food pairings with their Or Xata: al pastor street tacos, fresh corn tamales, and homemade flan.