Collective Arts Brewing Ransack the Universe Hemisphere IPA American IPA at 6.8% ABV (C$3.59 at NLC Stavanger, 473 ml, bottle date 14-Apr-2016, acquired 13-May-2016, reviewed 14-May-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber with one fat finger of rocky ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus rind, slightly dank resiny pine, caramel malt, light floral, faint vinous. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, light bitter. (8/10) Medium slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, short duration moderate bitter finish. (4/5)
I gotta say, these guys are really growing on me. Their brews are decent, their labels are fun, and that Blippar integration is a hoot. This is just a shade better than their Rhyme & Reason Pale Ale, with a bit more bite, both in terms of bitterness and ABV. I dunno what the heck “Hemisphere” is supposed to mean – since they’re combining ANZAC and PNW hops, shouldn’t it be a “Spherical” IPA? – but either way it’s one of the better IPA’s the NLC has gotten in, and reasonably fresh at that. Might have to snag a few more of these for entertaining! (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
