Month: December 2020

Boréale (Les Brasseurs du Nord) IPA – American IPA at 6.2% ABV | 50 IBU (C$4.81 at Collective, 473 ml, best before 9-Jan-2021, acquired 26-Nov-2020, reviewed 1-Dec-2020)

Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with two fat fingers of fine ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, caramel, stewed fruits, pine, grass. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium full body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering building bitter finish. (3/5)

I’m getting a little tired of smug brewer’s notes that say “Hops: yes”, or in this case “Hop: Hops”. That being said, this isn’t so great that I have a burning desire to know what it’s hopped with. Just a straightforward old-fashioned IPA, and not particularly interesting. (12/20)

6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Torque Brewing Inc. Hazy Whaler – American IPA at 6% ABV | 45 IBU (C$4.32 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 2-Nov-2020, acquired 26-Nov-2020, reviewed 1-Dec-2020)

Appearance: hazy pale amber with two fat fingers of fine ivory head, good retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: stone fruit, caramel, grassy/herbal, light pine, hint of cattiness. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium slightly creamy body, moderate carbonation, off-dry building and lingering bitter finish. (3/5)

Not very much in keeping with the nominal style. I find the bitterness surprisingly emphatic – not just for the style in general, but also specifically for the 45 IBU reported on the label, as it feels more like 60+ to my palate. It’s not brutal, by any means, but it feels like it wants to be. Ultimately it feels a bit disjointed and lacking focus. (13/20)

6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com