I was in luck today. I had done the research and knew City Wide Liquors was the shop I needed to find in South Bend. But when I checked the map today, I realized it was only a couple of blocks from the hotel. Indiana law meant the lad, being under 21, was not allowed in the store but a clerk stayed with him at the door as I grabbed a few brew. Given the show of generosity, I wasn't as grumpy as much as something had made me did but the law, as they say, is a bit of an ass.

Conversely Gumballhead, a wheat beer, isn't. It pours a medium amber-pine with a froth and rim. It has an amazing aroma of freesia and orange peel. In the mouth, it is hugely juicy and more-ish with complex wheat grassiness mixing with shrewd hop management. The brewer says that it's brewed with Amarillo hops and red wheat giving "notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, marmalade and peach." You could as easily add maraschino cherry, peanut and soy as well - though I may just be imagining the last two there in the malt. It's a stunning brew however you construe it but very floral. You've been both encouraged and warned.

BAers have the love.