Driftwood Brewery Raised By Wolves American IPA at 7% ABV (C$8.29 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 11-Oct-2016, reviewed 11-Oct-2016)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of fluffy light ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, juicy grapefruit, mild pine, light funk. (9/10) Taste: medium sweet and medium-high bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry moderate bitter finish. (4/5)
This… might be the best Driftwood I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something. It’s at least as good as Fat Tug, but significantly different. Not only do they use Equinox hops (new hotness!) but there’s also a big Brett-like component. Unlike a lot of beers using brettanomyces, though, the funk doesn’t run away with the show: here, it’s even-handed, balanced, and fruity. (It appears that the so-called “Brett Trois” strain they use is actually a wild Saccharomyces, so maybe that’s why?) And, somewhat uncharacteristically for a confirmed hophead such as myself, I appreciate the fact that the bitterness is big, but not overwhelming. This is damn fine stuff, and I have no hesitation in recommending it. Hell, I’ll probably buy anther one just to enjoy, and given how rarely I buy a beer a second time, that should tell you something. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
