Howe Sound Brewing Log Driver Juniper Rye IPA Rye Beer at 5.5% ABV (C$9.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 1 l, bottle date 10-Feb-2016, reviewed 16-Apr-2016)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of ivory head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grapefruit, pine, pale malt, light juniper and spicy rye. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, mild bitter, light spice. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter and spicy finish. (3/5)
A decent IPA, but surprisingly muted for the style: I’m not getting a lot of juniper on the nose – or rye, for that matter. It comes out eventually, but I was honestly hoping for something more emphatic. On the other hand, the bitterness and spice do build and linger, so it’s not a complete washout. Decent, if a bit unremarkable. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
