Belching Beaver Brewery Deftones Phantom Bride American IPA at 7.1% ABV | 55 IBU (C$4.17 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 473 ml, packaged on 8-Aug-2017, acquired 12-Oct-2017, reviewed 12-Oct-2017)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of rocky ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: dank resin, grapefruit, pineapple, stone fruit, hint of onion/garlic. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (9/10) Medium slightly creamy body, moderate carbonation, off-dry building bitter slightly spicy finish. (4/5)
Y’know what I like far more than food pairing recommendations on beers? Music pairings. So, yes, I listened to Deftones’ Phantom Bride while drinking this. And while I’m not sure I’d characterize either the song (or the beer) as “ethereal”, it works for me! Definitely getting the citrus notes from the Amarillo and Citra, the dank notes (and just a hint of garlic or onion) from the Simcoe, and the all-around goodness of Mosaic (easily my second- or third-favourite hop). I have to say, that’s just a killer hop blend. Damn fine, but leaves me wishing I could’ve gotten it fresher, because I’m sure it’s better when it’s young(er). (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
