Collective Arts Brewing Collective Project/ IPA No. 9 American IPA at 7.1% ABV (C$4.69 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 473 ml, packaged on 2-Apr-2019, acquired 27-May-2019, reviewed 27-May-2019)
Appearance: slightly hazy straw with one fat finger of rocky white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, citrus, tropical fruit, melon, biscuity pale malt. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-high carbonation, dry crisp short finish. (4/5)
I had high hopes here – Collective is one of my all-time favourite breweries, and I remain convinced that the Brut sub-style has real potential – but it didn’t quite pan out. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a disaster or anything, but it just didn’t shine quite to the extent I was hoping it would: the aroma, though pleasant, is a touch mild; the carbonation, though adequate, is a touch low for the style; and the finish, though dry, isn’t quite champagne-crisp. These are all minor issues, but taken en masse result in an ever-so-slightly disappointing end product. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
