Outcast Brewing Best-ish IPA American IPA at 6% ABV | 20 IBU (C$4.25 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 473 ml, packaged on 26-Sep-2018, acquired 15-Oct-2018, reviewed 16-Oct-2018)
Appearance: opaque deep gold with two fat fingers of fluffy white head, excellent retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy tropical fruit, citrus, vanilla, pale grainy malt, light pine. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry clean finish. (5/5)
I like the combination of self-deprecation and realism inherent in this name: “Is this the best IPA?” “Well, it’s the best… ish…?” But, you know what I like better? The beer itself. Yeah, OK, maybe it’s not actually the best IPA I’ve ever had – but, dammit, it’s best-ish! I’m not exaggerating when I say Patrick Schnarr might be another Mikkeller in the making, nor that this is one of the best NEIPAs I’ve ever had. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s Citra hopped in the chiller, then double dry-hopped with Mosaic and Bru-1. This might not be quite at the level of Trillium / Tree House / Alchemist – but it’s not far off. (18/20)
9/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
