Rogue Ales Combat Wombat American IPA at 7.2% ABV | 49 IBU (C$10.70 at Collective, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 14-Aug-2018, reviewed 18-Aug-2018)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: lactic sour, citrus, tropical fruit, pale malt, melon. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry building bitter boozy finish. (4/5)
That’s gotta be right up there for best names ever – it’s what Kung-Fu Panda should have been. Clearly, the “wombat” moniker refers to the ANZ hops (Vic Secret and Galaxy FTW!!!), and the 7.2% ABV is certainly confrontational enough to constitute combat. Don’t get me wrong: the shine is completely off the apple for me when it comes to kettle sours. This, however, isn’t a a kettle sour, as such, but a citrusy IPA tweaked with a lactic adjunct that plays well to its strengths. It’s not without its flaws, certainly – it’s yet another “Northeast-style” IPA that’s apparently been brewed by (admittedly competent) brewers who’ve never actually had the style they’re brewing – but stylistic pedantry aside, this is a fun, flavourful beer, even if it could stand to be prettier. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
