Alley Kat Brewing Co. Ebony Dragon American Double / Imperial IPA at 7.5% ABV | 75+ IBU (C$8.39 at Okotoks Co-Op, 650 ml, best before 20-Sep-2019, acquired 28-Apr-2019, reviewed 4-May-2019)
Appearance: clear medium gold with one fat finger of creamy white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grass, crackery pale malt, earth. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (3/5)
Might be the least impressive of the Dragon series so far. It’s single-hopped with Denali, and the brewer’s notes claim notes of pineapple, pine, and tropical fruit, which is what the grower’s descriptions for Denali would lead one to expect – except I’m not getting any of that. It smells like an American Pale Lager, or maybe a Pilsener. Don’t get me wrong, it would be a fine example of such, just not of a DIPA. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
