Russell Brewing Company “Air Quotes” Wild IPA – American IPA at 5% ABV | 11 IBU (C$4.09 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 31-Oct-2019, reviewed 6-Nov-2019)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of growing rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, citrus, grainy pale malt, mild barnyard funk, light plastic phenol. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter, light funk. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry medium bitter slightly funky finish. (4/5)
Despite their sarcastic-verging-on-offensive takedown of wilds on the label notes (“Do you really think we left the windows open all night over here?”) this is a pretty decent take on the style. There’s just a hint of plastic phenol marring the otherwise pleasantly balanced aroma of fruits, grainy malt, and barnyardy funk, particularly as it warms. But, I’m certainly not going to complain about the choice of Sacc Trois, Idaho 7, and Citra. Could be better, sure – maybe if you had a hip, fancy coolship, or just swabbed your weird uncle’s beard? – but it could be worse. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
