Pass the Salt: My Take on Liquid Escape

If you’re looking for a beer that feels like a trip to the coast, Liquid Escape is likely already on your radar. Coming from the crew at The Virginia Beer Company in Williamsburg, this brew is marketed as a "Lemongrass Summer Ale" or a Tart Ale, designed to be a bright, sessionable crusher at 4.4% ABV.

Score: 6.4

Location: Williamsburg, VA

The Pour and First Impression

Right out of the can, Liquid Escape pours a beautiful, clear straw color with a lively white head. The aroma hits you immediately with fresh, citrusy lemongrass and a distinct briny note that promises a savory edge.

The Flavor Profile

This is where the beer gets interesting. While it’s built on a base of 2-Row, flaked oats, and wheat, the experience is dominated by its additions:

• The "Oaky" Surprise: Though the brewery's official description focuses on citrus and salt, there is an unexpected depth to the malt and oat profile that can come across as distinctly oaky or earthy. This gives the beer a more rugged, structured backbone than your typical light summer ale.

• The Lemongrass: The lemongrass provides a sharp, herbal citrus punch that replaces the need for a lime wedge.

• The Salt Factor: It is brewed with Australian Sea Salt, and the brewery isn't shy with it. For those who enjoy a Gose style "salinity," this hits the spot, though for some palates, the saltiness can feel a bit heavy-handed, occasionally overshadowing the more delicate fruit notes.

The Verdict

Liquid Escape is a bold take on a session ale. It’s "bright and refreshing" as advertised, but it carries a complexity—from that oaky undertone to the aggressive salt—that makes it more than just a simple lawnmower beer. If you love a savory, tart, and herbal brew, this is a must try, though you might find yourself wishing for just a pinch less salt to let the lemongrass truly shine.