Coppertail Brewing Co. Free Dive American IPA at 5.9% ABV | 65 IBU (US$2.49 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, best before 9-Jun-2017, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 20-May-2017)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fluffy white head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: mild, citrus, pine, pale crackery malt, floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body tending thin, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
Really light and mild on the outset, with a moderately high bitter finish that for me comes across as a bit thin and unbalanced given the very light character of the malt. I’m not quite sure what they were going for here, but you certainly don’t get the “huge hits of citrus and pine aromas” the label promises. The wateriness of the body just isn’t supporting the hop profile, and it ends up being a bit sharp. There are no off notes, and it’s not offensive by any means, but it’s not something you need to go out of your way for either. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
