Fernie Brewing Company Nomad Wild IPA – American IPA at 6.3% ABV | 42 IBU (C$4.27 at Collective, 473 ml, best before 7-Aug-2020, acquired 27-Feb-2020, reviewed 4-Apr-2020)
Appearance: translucent medium amber with three fingers of unruly dense ivory head, excellent retention and heavy chunky lacing. (3/5) Aroma: hay funk, stone and tropical fruits, tart wheat. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, moderate funky tart. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration funky tart finish. (4/5)
An interesting idea, with Sabro and Enigma hops on a wild yeast – and if I recall correctly, Fernie might’ve been the second brewer I ever experienced using Sabro hops, though I’ve had them quite a few times since – but not entirely surprisingly the wild yeast very much carries the day here, completely dominating with very brett-like funk and fury. A massive three fingers of dense ivory head towers over a somewhat muddy medium amber body, and funk is the name of the game when it comes to both the aroma and finish. Hints of stone and tropical fruits are interspersed throughout, and perhaps some acidulated wheat tartness, but those are frankly overshadowed by the enthusiastic wild yeast. I’d have to say this is as much a true Wild, as it is an IPA, and I approve. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
