Bench Brewing Company Short Hills IPA – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 40 IBU (C$3.78 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 5-Sep-2019, acquired 15-Oct-2019, reviewed 18-Oct-2019)
Appearance: opaque medium gold with one finger of fine white head diminishing gradually to a thick persistent cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, green onion, tropical fruit, caramel. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
Full disclosure: I have to admit to a certain amount of hostility towards this brewery because of their clash with Alberta-based Apex Predator Brewing (formerly Bench Creek Brewing). And, to be fair, I was a little confused when I first entered this can into my database, because I was convinced I had “Bench Brewing” in my brewer list, but didn’t – so maybe they weren’t so far off the mark in their infringement argument. On the other hand, it’s a bit hard to side against local Alberta boys, with a Toronto investment banker, who despite being in business for a shorter period of time was first to register the trade mark. However, fair is fair, I suppose, and rules is rules.
In the final analysis, the beer itself is serviceable if slightly onion-y. I was going to guess Simcoe hops, since that’s a common source for that particular sin, but a quick trip to their web site indicates it’s probably the Citra. Not bad overall, but not quite as clean and juicy a profile as I like to see for the style. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
