Breakside Brewery Tall Guy American IPA at 6.4% ABV | 57 IBU (C$10.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Sep-2018, reviewed 12-Sep-2018)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and heavy soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: dank pine, caramel, citrus, tropical fruit, floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering building bitter slightly astringent finish. (4/5)
A little pricier than their Thirst Trap, yet not quite as good, in my opinion. (And I say that in response to this “ode to the tropical Citra hop” as someone who really likes Citra hops.) The funny thing is, even though it’s got lower IBUs (at the same ABV) as Thirst Trap, it comes across as slightly more bitter in the finish, and even just a little astringent. I’m wondering if it’s a slightly thinner body doing that? Adding to my nit-picking, it seems like I’m getting dank resiny pine dominating over the citrus I’d normally expect from Citra – which wouldn’t necessarily be a complaint, were I not expecting citrus to be more present than it is. In any case, still a solid A/IPA, if suffering slightly from sibling rivalry. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
