Carlow Brewing Company O’Hara’s Freebird White IPA at 5.0% ABV | 40 IBU (C$4.76 at NLC Stavanger, 500 ml, best before 28-Jan-2018, acquired 17-Mar-2017, reviewed 20-Mar-2017)
Appearance: cloudy pale amber with one finger of fluffy off-white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: orange peel, cloves, wheat, stone fruit, light plastic/band-aid. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry bitter, astringent, and mildly warming finish. (3/5)
This is a tough style to get right, in my experience – whether you’re talking “Belgian” or “White” IPA, the intention is to meld characteristics of Belgian-style Witbiers with IPAs, typically American-style highly hopped IPAs. I’m not all that impressed with this one: the aromas and flavours are both a bit muddled, and there’s some astringency that makes it taste a little more bitter than the 40 IBU would suggest – but worse is the hint of band-aid or plastic in the finish. It’s only a hint, so it’s not a deal-breaker, but it is another minor flaw in a beer with several. (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
