Alley Kat Brewing Co. Evergreen Dragon American Double / Imperial IPA at 7.5% ABV | 75 IBU (C$6.46 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, best before 27-Sep-2018, acquired 11-Apr-2018, reviewed 11-Apr-2018)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (5/5) Aroma: citrus rind and pith, caramel, dank resin. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry building and lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Y’know, it’s tempting to give Alley Kat the gears for carrying on this “coloured Dragon” line far further than any sensible human being would – but the fact is, I’ve already done so, and they’re getting better. In fact, this one is verging on next-level better. So… good on yer, I guess? I have to admit, when I saw “Spruce infused” on the label, I flashed back to the few spruce tip beers I’ve had, which were… well… let’s be generous and call them “less than impressive”. (Sounds better than “deeply strange and off-putting”, which is how I have in fact described some of them.) But, the thing is, the previously best-ever spruce beer I’ve had was actually an Alley Kat beer. So, it seems safe to say they’ve got this spruce thing dialled in. This one is particularly well done, with a pleasant evergreen character (yes, just like the label says) layered on top of a dank cannabinoid base. Very West Coast and very well done. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
