Fernie Brewing Company Impala South African IPA American IPA at 6.7% ABV | 58 IBU (C$3.69 at Collective, 473 ml, best before 25-Jan-2020, acquired 29-Aug-2019, reviewed 29-Aug-2019)
Appearance: clear medium gold with two fingers of fluffy white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: stone fruit, honey, tropical fruit, citrus. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium bitter slightly spicy finish. (3/5)
I don’t know that I’ve ever had African Queen, Southern Passion, or XJA/436 hops before. I do, however, know that I’m not all that impressed with this implementation. I mean, it’s OK, but nothing special, maybe because the hop character is a bit swamped by the sweet honey/caramel malt note. It finishes with slightly mouth-coating and sticky sweetness that seems to dilute the overall bitterness despite the lingering hop spiciness. Might be somebody’s else’s cup of tea, but I wouldn’t bother with another. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
