Oland Brewery (AB-InBev) Alexander Keith’s Saphir Hop Ale American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV ($3.89 at NLC Sobey’s Mount Pearl, 473ml, no date)
Pours clear pale amber with one finger of off-white head diminishing quickly to a thick cap, minimal lacing. (3/5) Nose is corny malt, floral hops with faint citrus and grassiness. (6/10) Taste is medium sweet, mild bitter. (5/10) Thin watery body, moderate sustained carbonation, grainy corn finish. (2/5)
Well, it’s almost an IPA. And it only took them how long? The Hallertau hops give this a slightly European feel and taste, while the tea-like floral bitter is almost English enough to lend credibility to the IPA feel. Don’t get me wrong – there’s still plenty in the way of adjunct flavours, but at least it’s not the first thing that hits you. A marginally better product from a soulless macro brewer trying to pretend it has some character. (10/20)
5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
