Rogue Ales Outta Line IPA American IPA at 6.9% ABV | 66 IBU (C$3.64 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 26-Nov-2018, acquired 15-Jan-2019, reviewed 23-Jan-2019)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and heavy chunky lacing. (5/5) Aroma: citrus, floral, caramel, resiny pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering building bitter warming finish. (4/5)
“Outta line”? I beg to differ: at 6.9% and 66 IBU, this is precisely in line with what I expect for a modern West Coast IPA. Not that I mean that as a criticism at all – unless you’re going for a low-bitterness hazy style, that’s a good thing. Structurally, this is great: excellent head retention and lacing on a bright body, and a clean bitter warming finish. It’s in between those two experiences that things are somewhat less impressive. There’s nothing really wrong with the aroma and flavour, but neither are very exciting. Not the first time I’m made this observation about a beer, but if it was ten years ago, this would be amazing. As it is, it’s just solid. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
