Month: June 2020

Situation Brewing Bookmark Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 4.2% ABV | 27 IBU (C$4.45 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 14-May-2020, acquired 29-May-2020, reviewed 5-Jun-2020)

Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one fat finger of loose white head, good retention and spotty soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, pale malt, mild pine, light grass. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry short finish. (4/5)

A fairly traditional APA without a lot to distinguish it, but solid and well done. Nice aroma and flavour, especially for such a low ABV. Definitely a good patio beer. (15/20)

7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Endeavour Brewing Company Lost Flip Flop – Saison at 6% ABV | 38 IBU (C$4.20 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 29-May-2020, reviewed 4-Jun-2020)

Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thick persistent cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: Belgian phenols, citrus, spice, light dill, hint of plastic band-aid. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light funk. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry short finish. (4/5)

It’s not bad, but that little plastic band-aid note, especially in the finish upon warming, is particularly unwelcome. More importantly, the Citra could stand to be a bit more pronounced, but I think they’ve got the right amount of Sorachi Ace giving just a hint of dill on the back end. (To be honest, it’s never been a favourite of mine, and I wouldn’t want any more of it.) In order for me to ponder this a “perfect patio beer” it would need to be more attenuated, more carbonated, and slightly lower in ABV – which is to say, more traditional in structure. Sure, go ahead and hop it unconventionally, but keep the base structure, which was designed around quaffability and refreshment. (14/20)

7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

S.Y.C. Brewing Co. Sakura – Saison at 5.0% ABV (C$4.27 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 13-May-2020, acquired 29-May-2020, reviewed 3-Jun-2020)

Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fluffy white head, excellent retention and minimal spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: floral, light pepper, grass. (8/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, dry crisp finish. (4/5)

Nice: dry, crisp, and refreshing – which should in my opinion be a given when dealing with Saisons – and with a little clean grassy Lager or Pilsner character that adds rather than detracting. This could almost one described as a Hopped Lager, rather than a Lagered Saison, but either way I like it. (16/20)

8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Whistler Brewing Co. Wayside Apricot Wit – Witbier at 5% ABV | 15 IBU (C$3.95 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 29-May-2020, reviewed 2-Jun-2020)

Appearance: hazy pale amber with one finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, no lacing. (2/5) Aroma: tart apricot, doughy wheat, light spice. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate tart, low bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sticky sweet tart finish. (3/5)

Meh. The apricot is overwhelming and floral, almost perfume-like. At least the spice (coriander and pepper?) isn’t overwhelming, but this is just far too much sticky fruit to be anything resembling refreshing. (12/20)

6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel! Passion Houblon – American IPA at 5.9% ABV (C$4.25 at Collective, 341 ml, packaged on 9-Apr-2020, acquired 22-May-2020, reviewed 2-Jun-2020)

Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, spotty soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tart passionfruit, light oily citrus & dank pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry tart finish. (4/5)

Slightly one-dimensional: lots of passion(fruit), yes, but only a little houblon (hops). To its credit, the fruit isn’t overly sweet, and its tartness keeps the finish reasonably clean. Not even close to my favourite DDC offering, but serviceable. (14/20)

7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com