Modern Times Beer Oneida American IPA at 5.2% ABV | 50 IBU (C$15.25 at The Brewer’s Apprentice, 946 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Jan-2018, reviewed 13-Jan-2018)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fat fingers of fluffy white head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, citrus, tropical fruit, pale crackery malt, light pine resin, hint of white wine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body tending slightly light, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium finish. (4/5)
Modern Times is one of those very few breweries who seem worthy of the hype. Generally speaking, very little of theirs has disappointed me. And neither does this, precisely – though it’s certainly at the lower end of the range I’ve come to expect from them. There’s nothing wrong with it, as such, but it’s a very utilitarian-tending A/IPA that doesn’t really shine. Now, one might argue that at least some of that might be due to it being a week-old crowler, that’s been at 35,000 feet, but that seems unlikely. There was still good carbonation when I cracked it, the head retention was good, and I can’t see a bottle shop’s keg being left on long enough to allow the hops to fade. (In fact, I waffled a little on a couple of scores, and could have gone half a point lower, but felt I’d give the benefit of the doubt just because of those possibilities.) I’m satisfied that this is representative of a beer that is good, and quite easy-drinking, but not at the top of the range for this brewery. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
