Narrow Gauge Brewing Company Fallen Flag – American IPA at 7.0% ABV | 55 IBU (C$9.25 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 19-Feb-2021, acquired 7-May-2021, reviewed 14-May-2021)
Appearance: hazy bright medium gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, tropical fruit, biscuity malt, light resiny pine, hint of vanilla. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, clean off-dry medium duration slightly chalky finish. (5/5)
Perhaps the ultimate “damned with faint praise” assessment: I was expecting greatness, but it’s merely very good. I can’t find proper brewer’s notes, but secondary sources say this is hopped with Citra & Mosaic, which is of course a perennial favourite blend. It’s possible that it’s getting a little elderly and that’s why the aromas and flavours don’t pop more. Despite that, it’s very easy to drink, finishing clean and more-ish. I hemmed and hawed a little on most of the scores, and could easily have rated aroma and flavour higher, or palate lower, so I’m splitting the difference a little on my final score. I’m also holding out hope that the DDH version, to follow, will rectify these issues. (17/20)
8.5/10 ryansbooze.com #ryansbooze
