Gigantic Brewing Company Vivid (#43) American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.5% ABV | 80 IBU (C$11.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 18-Sep-2016, reviewed 20-Sep-2016)
Appearance: cloudy and opaque pale amber with one finger of creamy ivory head, excellent retention and well-defined lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel and toffee, pine, buttery, grapefruit, light tropical fruit and floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Medium-full body, moderate carbonation, medium-long duration bitter and mildly warming finish. (3/5)
Dunno if I’ve had Kohatu hops before, but I’m pretty sure I’ve had Wai-Iti. (Now that I think about it, it was a local brewery – Big Rock – who did a Wai-Iti wheat ale, and it was probably one of the best things they’ve ever done. And yes, better than this.) I’m actually a little disappointed by this, since Gigantic generally does a fairly good job of things. This, however, doesn’t exhibit any of the bright melon, tropical fruit, or vinous character I associate with ANZ hops. It’s a somewhat stodgy, heavy, and malt-forward DIPA, all of which I could almost forgive, were it not for the buttery/butterscotch diacetyl notes suggesting all manner of clumsiness. Still and all, it’s a pleasant enough beer, but I can’t shake the feeling it could (should?) have been much more. And sorry, it’s not “vivid.” (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
