Annex Ale Project Null Test Kveik Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 4.9% ABV (C$4.14 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 11-Feb-2020, acquired 13-Feb-2020, reviewed 25-Feb-2020)
Appearance: opaque pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, pale malt, mild tropical fruit, light funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly creamy body, moderate-low carbonation, medium duration very lightly astringent finish. (4/5)
Generally speaking, Annex gets it right more often than they get it wrong, so it’s not really a surprise to me that this one is pretty right. Mind you, I’ve known them to get it fairly spectacularly wrong, and with the NEIPA style, at that. For them to hop (so to speak) so enthusiastically on board to this particular trendy sub-style (and don’t get me wrong, I like a good Kveik) suggests pretty much a 180º change in attitude (and brewing technique) since the pretentious bitchfest that was Echo Chamber. To which I can only say, good for you! I could definitely do with another one of these. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
