Russell Brewing IP’eh English IPA at 6.5% ABV (C$4.99 atQuarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before)
Appearance: clear pale to medium amber (some initial chill haze) with one finger of light tan head, good retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel and toffee malts, mild grapefruit and pine. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (5/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, moderate duration bitter finish. (3/5)
I was initially going to say “More like IP M’eh”, but that would probably be a little unfair. It’s malt forward but not overly so – certainly consistent with the intended English style. Not getting a lot of the Cascade hops, which makes it nowhere near as good as their IP G’Day in my opinion, but not necessarily any less well-made. The flavour started out being quite a bit less emphatic than the aromas promised, but that might be because I started off drinking it a bit too cold. As the beer warmed, and the chill haze diminished, the flavours woke up as well. If you get the opportunity to try this one, be sure not to drink it too cold. (And, Russell, if you’re really “fanatical about beer”, DATE YOUR DAMN BOTTLES.) (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
