The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company The Optimist – American Double / Imperial IPA at 7.8% ABV | 60 IBU (C$8.05 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 25-Jun-2020, acquired 4-Aug-2020, reviewed 14-Aug-2020)
Appearance: opaque deep gold with two fingers of fine pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: vinous white grape, citrus, tropical fruit, pale malt. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium duration finish. (3/5)
Definitely different, but not in a bad way. Largely dominated by a not-entirely-out-of-place vinous white grape without losing malt and hops character, making this a lot like some of the beer-wine hybrids out there. Reasonably smooth and easy to drink for the relatively high ABV. The only reason I might decline a second one is that it does tend a little on the sweet side. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
