Old Yale Brewing Co. Old Devilfish SMaSH IPA American IPA at 5.5% ABV (C$4.79 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 18-Feb-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber, one fat finger of rocky ivory head, excellent retention and lacing. (4/5) Aroma: orange peel, caramel malt, dank resin, light floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off dry bitter finish. (4/5)
Ella hops, huh? Interesting. I’m not unhappy with this, but it’s not a clear home run. Single hop is of course always a challenge, because it can be a bit of a one trick pony. I have to say, though, this particular hop is not without its appeal. It’s got a complex, spicy, almost funky character that I appreciate, but there’s also a little something that I can’t quite identify, verging on vegetal. A little weird, but not unpleasant. All in all, one of the best Old Yale brews I’ve tried – and, holy crap, this is the seventh Old Yale I’ve tried? Really? (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
