Mike Hess Brewing 'Jucundus' Orange Honey Wheat. 6% abv. 24 IBU. Pale yellow in color. One finger of white head that slowly recedes to a sustaining collar. Good retention and lacing. Nose of honey, crackers, floral, faint citrus background. Front taste of honey, sweet light malt, some bitter hop notes. Aftertaste of honey, lingering citrus peel, orange. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is bright, bubbly, tangy.

This is an excellent honey beer, with the honey very present from the aroma on down, and the citrus flavors shining through in the aftertaste. It's easy-drinking without being watery, and approachable without lacking in flavor. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Conjure up a warm, sunny day with this crisp, light bodied American wheat beer, brewed with one kg per barrel if 100% U.S.A. orange blossom honey and California orange peel. This refreshing ale brewed with spices has a smooth, citrusy finish - a delightful session-worthy beer."

Mike Hess 'Grazias' Vienna-Style Cream Ale. 6.3% abv. 30 IBU. Dark ruby color. Thick creamy head. Good retention. Small bits of lace. Sweet nose of malt, vanilla, hops. Front taste of caramel, vanilla, roasted malt, herbal hops, notes of cocoa. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is thick, sticky. Aftertaste is balanced hops with vanilla and a toasted biscuity taste.

This is an excellent cream ale, hoppier and a more complex than its category warrants. I look forward to trying the rest of the lineup from this rising nano-brewer. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"A twist on the old-world classic Vienna lager, our signature beer is smooth, malty and perfectly balanced with Noble hops. It has a creamy, smooth texture, and the malt contributes chocolate, vanilla and slightly toasted flavors that play off the German hops for a sublime flavor and a surprisingly dark color."

Mike Hess beers are new to my neck of the woods. I'm enjoying this one at Das Bierhaus, a bottle shop in the Tower District.