Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks Super 8 Bit IPA (2016) American IPA at 7% ABV (C$8.50 at Sundance Wine Market, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 26-Jun-2016, reviewed 2-Jul-2016)
Appearance: hazy pale amber, one fat finger of fluffy ivory head, excellent retention and patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, stone fruit, caramel malt, resiny pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering and building bitter finish. (3/5)
Yet another A/IPA that makes me wonder exactly where you place the line between that style and DIPA – with the big (but restrained) ABV, and bigger bitter, I really don’t see how it isn’t considered a double. And, much like many DIPA’s, the malt is big and caramel. It’s not overwhelming, or even dominant, but it’s certainly vying with the hops for first place on the nose. The first sip, however, is intense, brightly bitter hops. That settles down as the level drops and the beer warms, but it remains fairly high throughout, and is never overtaken by the malt. Solid performer, lots of fun – but I’d like it better if the malt were paler. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
