Collective Arts Brewing Surround Sound (Azacca, Amarillo, & Comet) – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.2% ABV (C$5.14 at NLC Stavanger, 473 ml, packaged on 23-Apr-2020, acquired 9-Jul-2020, reviewed 15-Jul-2020)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fat fingers of rocky white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, floral, tropical fruit, dank pine, coconut, caramel. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, mildly warming moderate bitter finish. (4/5)
Fast becoming one of my favourite ongoing Collective Arts projects, this revision is hopped with Azacca, Amarillo, and Comet. I’m a little perplexed, since much like the last revision (Enigma, Moutere, Simcoe, and Centennial) I’m getting coconut that would be more consistent with e.g. Sabro and should in any case be out of character for the hop profile. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. It’s juicy, surprisingly easy to drink, and like its predecessors is pleasant and easy-going, until you go cross-eyed and fall over. I’m not much one for go-to’s, but I rather suspect this’ll be my go-to for the next couple of nights of camping and white water rafting. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
