Powell Street Craft Brewery Hopdemonium American Double / Imperial IPA at 7.2% ABV | 70 IBU (C$8.49 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 8-Nov-2016, reviewed 8-Nov-2016)
Appearance: clear medium amber with two fingers of rocky ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (3/5) Aroma: sweet pulpy citrus, grapefruit pith, tropical fruit, caramel malt, resiny pine, floral. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Medium-full body, moderate carbonation, building and lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
So, the jury seems to be out as to whether this is a DIPA, or “merely” an IPA. I mean, they themselves call it an IPA, but at 70 IBU and more than 7% ABV, let’s be clear: it’s obviously a DIPA (which meets with my whole-hearted approval). The flavour profile is right up my alley as well – I’ve had more emphatically “West Coast” ales, but this is decent, with both citrus flesh and pith, as well as fruit and pine tones. Not quite as dank as a full-blown West Coast – which, yes, I’d prefer – but pleasant enough. It tastes reasonably fresh, and certainly hasn’t become malt-forward, but I’ll still repeat my desire for bottle dating – it would be nice to know if this is brighter (and better!) when fresher. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
