Collective Arts Brewing IPA No. 16 – American IPA at 6.3% ABV (C$5.62 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 3-Feb-2021, acquired 17-Mar-2021, reviewed 21-Mar-2021)
Appearance: hazy straw with one finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, spotty soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: pithy grapefruit, cereal grains, floral, earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: medium smooth body, moderate carbonation, off-dry mildly spicy finish. (4/5)
Nothing really leaps out to distinguish this one from others in the series. (Not to claim any particular authority in the matter, but I think to date I’ve tried them all except 2 & 7.) Thankfully the aroma is dominated by a pleasant hop blend, with the elderflower playing a minor supporting role, preventing things from getting too perfume-like. Similarly, the taste is pleasantly balanced bitterness with appropriate supporting sweetness and a smooth body, presumably courtesy of oats in the malt bill. Easy to drink, with a middle of the road ABV that neither knocks you on your butt, nor leaves you wondering what the point was. Certainly no criticisms here, but also nothing to particularly distinguish it from a group of admittedly solid performers. (16/20)
8/10 ryansbooze.com #ryansbooze
