Hell’s Basement Brewing All Hops for a Basement American IPA at 6.6% ABV | 65 IBU (C$2.55 at Oak & Vine, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 26-Apr-2017, reviewed 10-May-2017)
Appearance: clear medium amber with one finger of loose ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: pine, caramel, tropical fruit, citrus. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering and building bitter finish. (3/5)
I was frankly disappointed by the dark colour on the pour, which made me expect it to play out the way it ultimately did: a more traditional/classic A/IPA, malt-forward if not exactly malt-dominant. I’ll give it this, though: the bitterness is higher than the traditional style would dictate, and not unwelcome. Decent enough, I guess – I’d be happier with less malt emphasis and more dry-hopping, but that’s just me. (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
