Black Mesa puts out an IPA in time for summer, in six packs of 12 oz cans. They named it Big Wheel in honor of all the little daredevils on Big Wheels out there.

Company: Black Mesa Brewing Co.

Location: Oklahoma City, OK, brewed by Urban Farmhouse Brewery

ABV: 5.8% ABV

Style/Description: India Pale Ale

Price: $9.99 for a six pack

Appearance: Cloudy copper pour, giant massive foamy head, a bit of lace. Foamed out on the floor when I cracked the can…

Nose: Grainy aroma, with some off metallic notes. Very little in the way of hops in the aroma.

Taste: Some caramel malts, lightly biscuity. Really not much in the way of hops, some faded fruit flavors and perhaps some grassy spice. Metallic off flavors and harsh over carbonation drown out any delicate flavors that may be lurking in here. This tastes ancient and oxidized, but was dated that it was brewed in May. Perhaps it is better fresh. Severe over carbonation caused the beer to fizz out upon opening, and then be flat by the time I was half finished.

Finish: Sweet malt and metal linger slightly.

Overall: I was hoping for the best here, but this one was pretty disappointing. Foaming out upon opening was a bad sign, and it shouldn’t be this faded after a little over a month. I’ve had some good brews from Black Mesa in the past, but this isn’t one of them.

Rating: 1.5/5