Tioga-Sequoia 'Half Dome' California Wheat with Stone Fruit. 4.7% abv. 17 IBU. Pale straw yellow color. Hazy. Thin white head that falls to a sustaining collar and scattered surface. Fair retention, nice lace.

Nose of berry, light honey, wildflowers, white bread. A mild spice aroma emerges as the temp rises. Front taste of sweet melon, light grapefruit, banana, faint floral hops on the back end. Aftertaste is fruit resin, treacle, candied lemon peel, white wine grapes, with a dry finish. Light body. Mouthfeel is cool, round, resiny, juicy.

This is the second version of Half Dome, and like its predecessor, it serves as a wonderful session beer, a cool, relaxing, refreshing, and easy-drinking brew. It's perfect for backyard barbecues, or as a first beer to start off a nice eventing craft vertical. Mild and light, but pungent and flavorful, it's just rich enough in body and taste to satisfy both the newcomers to beer and seasoned craft enthusiasts. A crowd pleaser.

If you have a friend who has only had big corporate factory beers, but is looking to explore the world of craft beer, this is the one you hand them as a way to ease into a world of aroma, body, and flavor, a solid "bridge" beer superior to most. Well recommended.

NOTE: This version of Half Dome is its second recipe, one that is brewed with stone fruit from the San Joaquin Valley. Check out my review of the brewery's original recipe. Cheers!

From the brewery:

"Half dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic and recognizable images in California. Like the magnificent granite dome, our half home california wheat is an original. It has evolved over the years, and finally reached its peak through a partnership with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, which provides the locally sourced stone fruit that makes half dome so unique. go on an adventure with this smooth, refreshing and juicy wheat beer, flavored from the heart of California, and take your taste buds to new heights."
[source: tiogasequoia.com]

Firestone Walker 'Pale 31' California Pale Ale. 4.9% abv. 38 IBU. Yellow-gold color. Finger of white bubbly head. Excellent retention and lace. Nose of sweet malt, grain, wheat. Front taste of light malt, bright bitter herbal hops, flowers. Aftertaste of bitter hop bite, biscuit, wheat on the back. Thin-medium body. Mouthfeel is bubbly, round, tangy sustain.

This is an excellent session beer. Easy drinking, bright hop taste, nice body and carb. Every brewery has at least one beer made for the masses, a brew of lighter fare. Firestone's heavily marketed 805 fits that bill, but for my tastes the Pale 31 is a more flavorful refreshing brew. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"A tribute to our home state of California – the 31st to be added to the Union.  Beautiful floral and citrus hop aromas greet the nose with undertones of lightly toasted malt.  Crisp pale and crystal malts offer a hint of sweetness. Subtle hop bitterness offers a refreshing finish.  Perfect for a sunny California day at the beach or BBQ with friends, Pale 31 represents the bold yet approachable spirit that embodies our state."
[source: firestonebeer.com]

Cismontane Brewing 'The Citizen' California Lager. 6.2% abv. Copper color. Thin white head. Good retention, nice lace. Nose of light malt, light fruit, floral hops. Front taste of toffee, biscuits, bittersweet malt, light fruit, bitter hops. Aftertaste of bitter hops, faint brown sugar. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is small bubbly, hoppy sting on the back end.

This California Common lager is a good beer, a nice example of its category. Light fruity aroma with a slightly sweet bready taste. Though the flavor profile didn't excite me, I was impressed with this beer and would order one again. Recommended.

From the brewery:

"The California Common almost disappeared after prohibition as did the term Cismontane. Our interpretation of this style is a golden warm fermented lager with sufficient hop aroma. As a brewer and citizen of Cismontane California it is our obligation to produce a fine Californian Common."

Tioga-Sequoia 'Half Dome' California Wheat. 5.3% abv. 17 IBU. Hazy pale yellow color. White bubbly head was thin, but with good retention and lacing. Front taste of wheat, biscuits, background citrus. Aftertaste is faint malt with light citrus notes that linger. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is bubbly, bright, crisp. This is an excellent wheat beer. Any fan of wheat, hefes, or wits will surely enjoy this brew.

From the brewery:

"Half Dome in Yosemite National Park attracts people from all over with its picture perfect views and great hiking opportunities. Our Half Dome California Wheat attracts people with its unfiltered goodness and lemon zest characteristics."