Parallel 49 / Gigantic Brewing Company Brews Brothers Blazing Arrow: Tawny IPA American IPA at 6% ABV (C$6.00 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 650 ml, bottle date 28-Feb-2017, acquired 10-Mar-2017, reviewed 13-Mar-2017)
Appearance: clear pale amber with one fat finger of rocky ivory head, good retention and well-defined lacing. (4/5) Aroma: resiny pine, caramel, citrus, stone fruit, slightly earthy. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, off-dry building bitter finish. (3/5)
Now that is more like it! I was fairly unimpressed with the first 50% of this mixed pack, but finally we’ve hit a collaboration that plays to strengths. I’ve had quite a few of their collaboration beers over the past three years, but not a whole lot of Parallel 49-only brews – and of the ones I have, they tend to shine when the focus is hops (their 187 D/IPA, for example). And Gigantic? Well, they also tend to shine when it comes to A/IPA and D/IPA styles. (Or maybe I’m just a hophead – regardless, this is more my speed.) I’d be happier with a dryer, less malty finish, mind you, and could do without the earthy note on the nose, but perhaps that’s just me being difficult. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
