Phillips Brewing Company Thunder Punch American IPA at 6.3% ABV (C$7.25 at Andrew Hilton Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 3-Aug-2017, reviewed 3-Aug-2017)
Appearance: clear deep gold with three fingers of rocky light ivory head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, grapefruit, caramel, resiny pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly creamy body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Had to do at least one real IPA for IPA Day. And this? This is decent. Pretty: nearly crystal clear despite being unfiltered, with good head retention. Pleasant hop character leads the way over a solid caramel malt backbone and the body exhibits the general smooth creaminess one usually finds with the addition of oats. Solid, but now I want buffalo wings… (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
