Each time I visit On Rotation, I see new beers on the menu. And I wonder how they keep this heavy rotation going in a seemingly endless parade of palate pleasing pints…

This beer may be On Rotation’s best beer to date. And just so we’re clear, this is the second version of Flocculation of Seagulls (I didn’t try the first one). But this version is a very good beer. This American IPA seems to follow an ongoing trend of beers that use massive late hop and dry hop additions to dial up the aroma and flavor, while at the same time keeping the IBU in check. I feel like this beer may have a higher bitterness rating than the official 28, but sadly, my tongue and brain do not provide lab-quality IBU results. Overall, this beer is a pleasure to drink. My face feels warm from the alcohol and my palate has gone through a bit of a workout after this one beer. But I like it and I want more hop goodness. This is the second version of this American IPA and it has likely improved to get here. I wonder if Flocculation of Seagulls will have the staying power and crowd draw that On Rotation’s Jalapeño Saison has. Just as I’m here writing this review, On Rotation is out of its seemingly-always-available hot pepper and also weirdly delicious saison. Either way, On Rotation has a good thing going with its Flocculation of Seagulls. I was pleasantly surprised at the layers of aromas and flavors going on in this beer. And while this beer certainly isn’t a run-of-the-mill money maker or entry-level beer, I think that this beer appeals to a wide swath of local hopheads.

Ben Smithson, Central Track (February 1, 2018)