Tap Handle #764: Lost Coast - Watermelon Wheat

Tap size:  10.5"

Rarity:  readily available

Mounting:  internal 3/8" nut

Following the Lost Coast Arrgh! tap profile comes another offering from Lost Coast, Watermelon Wheat. Why is that? Well, several years ago when this tap first came out, I wasn't originally going to purchase it, but when it and the Arrgh! tap went on sale, I found that if I purchased both I could get free shipping, which sealed the deal. It features a large slice of watermelon sitting on top of watermelon vine leaves. Below that is the name of the beer in sculpted, recessed letters. A large bunching of wheat stalks is above the brewery signage, while the shaft of the tap has some bas relief wheat stalks sculpted in to it. There's no real front or back, but there are some subtle differences between the two main sides, such as the watermelon seeds and also the wheat stalks on the shaft. It's a nice enough tap, but was not designed by Duane Flatmo, so it differs stylistically with most other Lost Coast taps, and while the colors are appropriate for the subject matter, the green/red/tan color scheme is a bit jarring. A better choice would have been a representation of the character that actually appears on the label. The tap is still available from the brewery, but feels a bit overpriced at its regular cost for what it is (it reminds me of the Shock Top taps, but without the Shock Top character). Watch for brewery store sales to pick it up cheaper with free shipping opportunities if you spend over a certain amount, or you can usually find it on the secondary market for less than the brewery's stock price.

For more about Lost Coast, see this post.

Click through to read more about Lost Coast's Watermelon Wheat and to see more photos of this sweet-looking tap...

Lost Coast's Watermelon Wheat is a refreshing watermelon ale that combines their Harvest Wheat with natural watermelon essence for exemplary aromatics while maintaining a light, crisp and refreshing flavors. It is brewed with a combination of wheat and crystal malts, and is unfiltered.

Ratebeer:  3.07 out of 5

Beer Advocate: 79 out of 100 (okay)