Blindman Brewing Long Shadows American IPA at 7.1% ABV | 68 IBU (C$4.12 at Okotoks Co-Op, 473 ml, best before 24-Dec-2018, acquired 30-Oct-2018, reviewed 2-Nov-2018)
Appearance: slightly hazy medium gold with two fat fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and chunky lacing. (5/5) Aroma: tropical fruit and citrus, clean pale malt, pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry building bitter finish. (4/5)
I had this on tap at Craft a couple of years ago, and thought it was OK at best – I commented that although it might well be inspired by Vermont, Heady had nothing to worry about. And, truth be told, they still don’t, quite. But the fact is, this can is far better than what I recall (and a lot closer to their new Get Thy Bearings, which might actually be a good enough NEIPA to cause a little consternation in Stowe). Comes pretty close to the magic 10:1 IBU:ABV ratio, making it emphatically not an NEIPA in terms of bitterness, but definitely a very well done IPA. Another one that I think they’ve dialled in since its inception, to very good effect. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
