Grand River Brewing Curmudegon English IPA at 6.5% ABV (C$5.37 at NLC Stavanger, 500 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 29-Apr-2016, reviewed 17-May-2016)
Appearance: clear medium amber with two fingers of fluffy ivory head, excellent retention and good lacing. (5/5) Aroma: bready caramel and toffee malt, herbal/floral, citrus, pine, earthy. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Medium slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, short duration moderate bitter lightly spicy and warming finish. (3/5)
Let me beat you to it: yes, it’s a toss-up whether the name of this beer is more appropriate for me, or whether Arrogant Bastard deserves that distinction. Moving on! Definitely an English style IPA: although there is in fact a little citrus and pine in there, it’s buried towards the back. The malt definitely leads the way, following which is a fruity herbal and floral note (though there seems to be some brown apple or stone fruit developing as the pint warms). In true curmudgeon style, I was initially less than impressed with this, but it does have a distinct and not unpleasant character that I’m warming up to. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
