Melvin Brewing Drunken Master American Double / Imperial IPA at 9% ABV | 95 IBU (C$5.29 at Oak & Vine, 355 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 31-Jul-2017, reviewed 31-Jul-2017)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of dense ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: citrus, floral, caramel/toffee, pine, alcohol, herbal. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter boozy finish. (3/5)
This isn’t “old skool”, nor is it “West Coast”, but it’s certainly got elements of both. Big caramel and toffee notes are present to support the huge bitterness, giving a thicker, slightly oily body, but at the same time there are some dank-leaning floral and herbal notes. Another one I’m risking damning with faint praise, I suppose, but there you go. On the up side, it wouldn’t take many of these to make you think you know kung-fu… (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
