Hell’s Basement Brewing Huruhru (The Feather) American Pale Ale at 5.2% ABV | 3 IBU (C$2.93 at The Brewer’s Apprentice, 355 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 14-Mar-2018, reviewed 14-Mar-2018)
Appearance: hazy pale straw with two fat fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, floral, crackery malt, grass. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter. (6/10) Palate: light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry short duration finish. (4/5)
(No packaging or BB dates, but the shop told me this was a fresh batch, so I’m operating on the assumption that this is the way the brewer intended it to be.) As a huge fan of ANZ hops (especially Nelson) I had high hopes for this, but they didn’t quite pan out. Not disappointing, as such, but less bright ANZ hop presence than I was hoping for. Instead of vinous and stone fruit, I’m getting a fairly strong floral shortly behind a straightforward citrus. Although not sweet, that perfume character prevents it from being clean and refreshing. OK, but nothing special. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
