Upstreet Craft Brewing Third Place – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.5% ABV | 40 IBU (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 18-May-2021, acquired 2-Jul-2021, reviewed 19-Jul-2021)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, caramel, citrus, pine. (5/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
I initially thought, if that’s third place, what won? But, there is an odd note on the nose that I’m not completely in love with. Tropical fruit, yes, but more “bruised mango” than “fresh pineapple”, and it becomes progressively more off-putting the more it warms. Definitely one to drink quickly, and despite the high ABV it’s smooth enough to allow that. Third place, yes, but one where you can hold your head up high because you won the semifinal playing your own game. (14/20)
7/10 ryansbooze.com #ryansbooze
