Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Head Brewer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

For the second year in a row we're teaming up with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in celebration of LUMENOCITY, one of the Queen City's most beloved events. LUMENOCITY is an awe-inspiring image-mapping spectacular synchronized to a live orchestra. 

Now enough with the hyphens; we brewed Glow (5.2% | 42 IBU) in collaboration with the CSO to celebrate! Glow is a Hüell Melon pale ale that radiates with notes of summer melon and strawberry.

Malts: 2-Row, Wheat and Vienna

Hops: Hüell Melon

Tell us about the Hüell Melon hop:

Hüell Melon is a “new age” German hop. The Germans are experimenting and cross-breeding Noble hops with some American varieties to produce some new and exciting varietals that have some Noble —floral, spicy— character to complement the fruit character of traditional American-style hop varieties.

Why does this beer represent LUMENOCITY to you?

LUMENOCITY is known for its stunning visuals paired with world class music provided by the CSO. Glow is a single-hopped beer that provides phenomenal hop character supported by the light, subtle but still complex backbone from the malt bill.

What makes you want to drink this beer?

It's light, complex, subtle, yet not overpowering. The perfect melange of malt and hops.

Appearance: Yellow color with a slight haze, moderate head with good retention.

Smell: Medium hop aroma with notes of honeydew and blackberry. Low malt aroma, slightly cracker-esque and low esters.

Taste: Medium hop flavor with some notes of strawberry, ripe melon, and lemon zest. Low malt flavor, with a slightly wheaty note mid-palate. Finish is dry, hop bitterness is moderate.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light body with a slightly creamy mouthfeel.

What foods would pair well with Glow?

Cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto or basil pesto pizza.

Ideal glassware for Glow?

A standard pint glass works great.