You ever get to the point in your workload where you realize that the only way you’re ever getting caught up is to chuck a match and start over? Well, I’ve been there in my work life for about five years now, and last year it was so bad that I also got there in my hobby. To wit: I have over a hundred (It’s actually 109, but who’s counting? Oh, right, me.) reviews for which I haven’t had the time to do the photo editing, and so haven’t posted here or on Untappd. Which means, a couple of times now I’ve checked Untappd at the store, decided I must not have tried this or that, and bought it again. Which, to be fair, isn’t the end of the world – “Oh, no, don’t throw me in that br’er patch and make me just drink a beer without reviewing it!” – but it hurts my OCD to know that my system is broken. So, I’m just gonna do one massive copypasta review post here and post them all on Untappd with no photos.
Twin Sails Brewing Island Vibes – American Pale Ale at 5.2% ABV (C$5.35 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 13-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of fine white head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, lime, cereal grains. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-soft carbonation, short duration tart finish. (4/5)
“Passionfruit, Guava & Key Lime Pale Ale”, and secondary sources say it’s hopped with a touch of Motueka and Azacca. I can’t say I’m getting much hopping here, because the fruit adjuncts – particularly the lime – overwhelm everything. It’s not bad, but it comes very close to “not really a beer” territory, and very close to “liquified key lime pie”. Maybe I’m just cranky today, but I’m starting to feel like I’m pretty over these “look at me, I’m so kooky” beers. (14/20)
This will be my 5,241st unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Twin Sails Brewing Gene’s Pick – American IPA at 6.1% ABV (C$5.40 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 14-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of fine pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: stone fruit, black tea, citrus, hint of red berries and grapes. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, medium duration slightly astringent finish. (4/5)
Can’t find any brewer’s notes, but secondary sources say it’s hopped with Enigma and Ekunaot, then Enigma power, Idaho 7, and Amarillo dry-hopped. I can’t say I’m getting any negative adjunct-like notes from the flaked corn addition, so I guess it’s working. (16/20)
This will be my 5,242nd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
The Establishment Brewing Company Pattern of Mind – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.4% ABV (C$5.40 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 15-Mar-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 14-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy medium gold with one finger of loose pale ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: bright juicy citrus, tropical fruit, melon, hint of dank resin. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, slightly sweet mildly warming finish. (4/5)
I’m not sure Imperial New England IPA is really a thing, but if it is, this is how you should do it. Brewer notes indicate two yeasts: Foggy London and Thiol Libre (for the third time, and I’ve now had two of those); malts are 2 Row, Malted Wheat, Chit Malt, Flaked Oats, and Flaked Wheat; and hops are Galaxy, Cashmere, Idaho 7, Citra, and Cryo Pop. Despite the brightly sweet and juicy aroma, the sweetness is decently restrained. Very nice. (17/20)
This will be my 5,243rd unique Untappd check-in.
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Zero Issue Brewing Overlord IPA (Issue #58) – American IPA at 7.4% ABV (C$4.36 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 15-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy medium gold with one finger of fine pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thick cap, heavy soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: floral, earthy dank resin, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, mildly warming slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
I don’t say this about ZI very often, but, it’s kind of “meh”. Floral seems to lead the way here, with an earthy resiny note close behind, and citrus well behind both. Nothing objectionable, but it’s not all that interesting. (13/20)
This will be my 5,244th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
18th Street Brewing Villain – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.9% ABV (C$7.65 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 10-Dec-2021, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 15-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap and ring, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, bready caramel, resiny pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate-soft carbonation, warming finish. (3/5)
Brewer’s notes say this is hopped with Warrior, Falconer’s Flight, and Simcoe. I’m thinking, heavy on the Warrior, and light on everything else, because this doesn’t have a whole lot going on for aroma. Kind of an old-school DIPA, with hints of barleywine-ish Stone offerings. (13/20)
This will be my 5,245th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Twin Sails Brewing Vacation Mode – American Pale Ale at 5.2% ABV (C$5.35 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 16-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and minimal soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: stone & tropical fruit, cereal grains. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-soft carbonation, short duration tart finish. (4/5)
A bit better than its sibling adjunct beer Island Vibes. I find the stone fruit notes that dominate this one are more appropriate to IPA or Pale Ale than the “liquified key lime pie” of the other. (15/20)
This will be my 5,246th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Anchorage Brewing Company Gone Forgotten – American IPA at 6.4% ABV (C$7.75 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 16-Apr-2022)
Appearance: opaque medium gold with two fingers of fine white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: pithy citrus, dank resin, oats and cereal grains, red berries. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate-soft carbonation, medium duration mildly warming finish. (4/5)
Hopped with Citra Incognito, DDH with Talus, Vic Secret, Motueka, Mosaic, and Simcoe. I recently mentioned that my experience with Anchorage has been that they are competent, but little better, when it comes to American-style IPA’s. Well, I guess I have to take that back, because this very much is a masterful example of how to do an NEIPA, with a balance of juicy fruit and dank resin, plus a little berry. (17/20)
This will be my 5,247th unique Untappd check-in.
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Space Age Sunshine Orange Creamsicle – Quadruple IPA at 11.6% ABV (C$5.53 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 8-Feb-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 17-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy medium gold with two fingers of fine pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, vanilla, tropical fruit, hint of pine resin. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, medium duration warming finish. (4/5)
Quadruple IPA? Sure, fuck it, why not, nothing means anything anymore. Fact is, FM was probably one of the first “crafty” brewers that I ever experienced, so you know I’m gonna be right there with them. Brewer notes say this is hopped with Ekuanot, Sabro, Idaho 7, Galaxy, and Azacca. Fruity hops are working well with the creamsicle and vanilla notes. Despite the sweetness and bitterness both being relatively high, they’re well-balanced with each other and against the massive ABV. I might be a bit enthusiastic in my scoring here, but it’s actually pretty drinkable. (16/20)
This will be my 5,248th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Trolley No. 5 Brewpub Playback Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 5.7% ABV | 47 IBU (C$4.95 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 2-Mar-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 18-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep gold with one fat finger of loose pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: resiny pine, caramel, citrus, hint of buttery diacetyl. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration bitter finish. (4/5)
Definitely the throwback WC-style it claims to be, and I enjoyed it. To the extent I have a complaint, it’s that upon warming I got just a hint of out-of-spec diacetyl. Not offensive, but enough that I can’t score it any higher than solid, but short of world-class. (15/20)
This will be my 5,249th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
S.Y.C. Brewing Co. Purple City – Triple IPA at 10% ABV (C$4.95 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 31-Mar-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 19-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy deep gold with one fat finger of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, tropical & stone fruit, caramel, citrus, floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: creamy medium-full body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say this is hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe. I was hoping for a bit more emphatically juicy citrus, but overall found the aroma to be relatively mild. Other than that, it was quite pleasant, with the higher sweetness well-adapted to the big bitterness so that it never became excessive. Similarly, the high ABV was definitely present, but well-integrated so that it never felt hot. (15/20)
This will be my 5,250th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Twin Sails Brewing Two Straws Mango & Pineapple – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 15 IBU (C$5.40 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 20-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy particulate-laden pale gold with two fat fingers of loose pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: juicy tropical fruit, citrus, cereal grains, hint of pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: creamy medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, short duration lightly tart finish. (4/5)
I’m actually not surprised that TS did this style well, given their track record with me (prior to this one, n=18, μ=7.8 & σ=0.43). Specifically, the aroma is pleasantly fruity, but without losing its “real beer” character; the sweetness is offset with a little tart acidity to prevent it from becoming cloying; and despite the somewhat creamy body and soft carbonation, it clears the palate reasonably well to invite the next sip. It’s not “really” a “milkshake”, and it’s actually fairly ugly, but other than that it’s a very enjoyable mostly-NE beer from the West Coast. (16/20)
This will be my 5,251st unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Fernie Brewing Company Headwall Hazy Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 4.8% ABV (C$2.95 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 9-Jan-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 21-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy straw with two fat fingers of loose white head, excellent retention and spotty soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, pale biscuity malt, hint of stone fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, short duration light finish. (4/5)
The label says “Juicy, citrusy & refreshing”, and that’s fair. Brewer notes say hopped with Strata and Cryo Pop, and claims tropical fruit, but for me it’s more grapefruity citrus. To be honest, my biggest complaint here is the little baby can. (Yes, I know it’s a “normal” can, but a guy gets used to pint cans.) Disappeared way too fast. (16/20)
This will be my 5,252nd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
33 Acres Brewing Company 33 Acres of Nirvana – American IPA at 7.0% ABV (C$2.92 at Collective, 355 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 22-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fluffy white head, good retention and heavy soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: floral, tropical fruit, citrus, sweet biscuity malt, resiny pine, hint of mint. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter mildly warming finish. (4/5)
Nice one. Well-balanced emphatic but not overwhelming bitterness, with a present but not hot alcohol warming. (16/20)
This will be my 5,253rd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Born Brewing Co. (Born Colorado Brewing) Spicemouth – American IPA at 7.5% ABV | 23 IBU (C$4.09 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 21-Mar-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 22-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly to nothing, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: habañero, mango. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate spice, low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, lingering warming spicy finish. (4/5)
Actually smells and tastes very much like a mango habañero salsa. The spice, while relatively high, is pleasantly offset and balanced by the sweet slightly tart mango. I find with most spice beers, if you can taste the spice in the first sip it becomes overwhelming by the time the pint is done. However, in this case, although it’s emphatic right from the first it’s never overwhelming. (16/20)
This will be my 5,254th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
2 Crows Brewing / Willibald Farm Distillery and Brewery L’Acadie Draw – American IPA at 6.3% ABV | 45 IBU (C$6.35 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 25-Nov-2021, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 23-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: vinous white grapes, citrus, cereal grains, tropical fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-lively carbonation, short crisp finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say this is hopped with Bru-1 and H Blanc then dry-hopped with Nelson, Citra, and H Blanc in addition to the adjunct additions of macerated L’Acadie grapes and New Zealand “phantasm” (powdered grape skin). Nowhere near as bitter as the 45 IBU suggests, and almost as grape-y as a beer-wine hybrid, this is bright and lively, and lots of fun. (16/20)
This will be my 5,255th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
The Hop Concept Dank & Sticky – American IPA at 8.5% ABV (C$7.35 at Collective, 473 ml, best before 5-Jul-2022, acquired 7-Apr-2022, reviewed 23-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep gold with one fat finger of fine white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: resiny pine, citrus, caramel, stone fruit, . (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
“The inaugural beer of The Hop Concept” [the same brewers as Lost Abbey and Post Brewing], this is hopped with Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Comet, CTZ, Eureka, Mosaic, and Simcoe. A very traditional dank WCIPA, with a caramel sweet stickiness that becomes more apparent as it warms. (16/20)
This will be my 5,256th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Cascade Brewing Sang du Chêne (2015) – American Wild Ale at 9.6% ABV (C$27.22 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 750 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Sep-2017, reviewed 25-Apr-2022)
Appearance: clear pale amber with one fat finger of loose white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tartly vinous white grape, oak, vanilla, red berries, caramel. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high tart, moderate sweet, low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
“Blood of the oak”. Decent levels of complexity, dominated by vinous grape and oak, but not quite at the level of some of their offerings. Ultimately, it’s tart grape almost to the point of vinegar, and that single note makes it difficult to appreciate any of the other aspects, but it’s clean and relatively approachable for near-on-double-digits. (16/20)
This will be my 5,257th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Legend Seven Brewing Company Atlantica Hazy Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 5% ABV (C$4.90 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 25-Mar-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 27-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy medium gold with one fat finger of rocky pale ivory head, good retention and spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, pomes, caramel, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, sweetish medium duration finish. (3/5)
A bit “meh”. It’s initially dominated by tropical fruit, but as it warms pomes and caramel move forward. Citrus remains light throughout. Ends up being a bit of a sweet, muddled mess. (13/20)
This will be my 5,258th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Against the Grain Brewery Loo-A-Vuhl Pale – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV (C$6.25 at Collective, 473 ml, best before 8-Dec-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 27-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: stone fruit, pale malt and honey, tropical fruit, hint of herbal mint. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body finishing slightly thin, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
Decent, but nothing too exciting. In particular, the finish is slightly thin, with a slight tea-like astringency. The pronunciation guide might be useful if I’m ever in Kentucky, though. (14/20)
This will be my 5,258th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Eighty-Eight Brewing Dial Up Hazy IPA – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 38 IBU (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 14-Apr-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 28-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and minimal soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains, dank resin. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly creamy body, moderate-soft carbonation, short duration finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say this is hopped with Hallertau Blanc, El Dorado, and Cascade. They also indicate the use of flaked wheat and flaked oats in addition to chit malt, which explains the smooth, almost creamy body and cereal grain notes in the aroma. I could have gone maybe one point lower for aroma or flavour (or both), but that would have implied maybe half a point lower overall, which seemed too low to me. Pleasant and mild, approachable and sessionable. (15/20)
This will be my 5,259th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Dandy Brewing Company I Will Adore You – American IPA at 6.9% ABV (C$5.26 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 22-Mar-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 29-Apr-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and minimal soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: dank resiny pine, citrus, caramel, floral, earth. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter dank finish. (3/5)
A completely over-the-top WCIPA utterly dominated by emphatic terpene dank resin. It’s not without its merits, but ultimately it’s just a one-trick pony verging on harsh, especially in the lingering finish. (13/20)
This will be my 5,260th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
The Brewing Projekt Dead End IPA – American IPA at 7.2% ABV (C$7.35 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 29-Apr-2022)
Appearance: hazy particulate-laden medium gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, coconut, citrus, mint, herbal. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly sweet moderate bitter finish. (4/5)
The label indicates this is hopped with Moutere, Talus, Sabro, and El Dorado. I’m definitely getting some of the less common flavour variations there, including coconut and mint. And yeah, different is good. All in all, though, this just doesn’t really pop. It’s good, sure, but not great. (14/20)
This will be my 5,261st unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Muskoka Brewery Drifter – American Pale Ale at 5.6% ABV (C$4.25 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 9-Mar-2022, best before 9-Jul-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 2-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy opaque pale gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, grainy malt, hint of coconut. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-soft carbonation, slightly sweet mild bitter finish. (4/5)
The label indicates this is hopped with Chinook, Simcoe, and Citra, so I’m not sure why I got a short-lived hint of Sabro-like coconut. Not complaining, just curious… Anyway, this is soft-bodied, mild, and not too sweet. Not quite “refreshing” or “crisp,” but pleasant and easy to drink. (15/20)
This will be my 5,262nd unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
A-Frame Brewing Co. Sproat Lake Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV | 35 IBU (C$5.25 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 1-Feb-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 3-May-2022)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: zesty citrus, tropical fruit, caramel and cereal grains, pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration bitter finish. (4/5)
Brewer’s notes say hopped with Mosaic and Citra. Straightforward APA tending slightly old-fashioned, though perhaps brought somewhat into the current century with the Mosaic elements. (15/20)
This will be my 5,263rd unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
The Establishment Brewing Company Tenderness – American IPA at 6.5% ABV (C$4.68 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 31-Mar-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 4-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, spotty soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains, mild dank pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, sweetish mild bitter finish. (4/5)
Various sources suggest this has been hopped with Citra, Citra Cryo, and Enigma. To be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this beer. On the other hand, it’s certainly not as stellar as some of their offerings – but come on: of the twenty eight or so of theirs I’ve tried, fully eighteen are an eight or better, and ten (!) are an eight and a half. It’s hard not to have that in mind when evaluating this. So, is it good? Yes. Would I have it again? Probably not – because at any given time I can grab a four pack of something better they make, and get squiffy while watching the hockey game. (15/20)
This will be my 5,264th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Sawtooth Brewery Hop Squish No. 2 – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.5% ABV | 74 IBU (C$5.40 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 8-May-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy straw with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, resiny pine, pale malts. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, lingering building bitter lightly astringent finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes indicate Columbus, Idaho 7, Mosaic, and Simcoe. Big hop aromas are matched by big lingering bitter – actually, I would have guessed closer to three digits for the IBU. It flirts with being excessively bitter, especially on the first slightly astringent sip, but it definitely grew on me as the pint progressed. All in all, an interesting blend of modern hops and old-style over-the-top bittering. (16/20)
This will be my 5,265th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Stronghold Brewing Co. Tangerine King – American Pale Ale at 5% ABV (C$4.75 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 19-Apr-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 9-May-2022)
Appearance: near-opaque hazy pale amber with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tangerine, bready malt, grass, woody earth. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration bitter slightly astringent finish. (4/5)
Slightly murky in appearance, aroma, and taste. The tangerine adjunct barely beats out the bready malt and muddy, Noble-like hopping. This is only my third by this brewery, and it pretty much splits the difference between the previous two. I’d always prefer to praise a small-town local(ish) brewery, but the fact is, they have yet to impress me. (13/20)
This will be my 5,266th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Ecliptic Brewing Ligo West Coast IPA – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 50 IBU (C$5.89 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 25-Mar-2022, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 10-May-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, resiny pine, bready malt, stone & tropical fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Brewer’s notes don’t specify the hops, but secondary sources say Mosaic, Simcoe, and Strata. A modern-leaning WCIPA merging largely bright aromas with a resiny lingering bitterness on the tongue. I initially called it “straightforward”, and it is, in the sense that it’s approachable and easy to drink, but it’s also perhaps not, in the sense that it’s an atypical combination of those bright modern hop aromas and dank resiny bitterness – thus, a modern-leaning WCIPA. In any case, it works for me! (16/20)
This will be my 5,267th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Moon Under Water Hip As Funk Farmhouse IPA – Belgian IPA at 7% ABV (C$4.35 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 27-Apr-2022, reviewed 10-May-2022)
Appearance: clear straw with one fat finger of rocky white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: brett funk, clove & pepper, citrus zest, earth, floral, pine, faint doughy yeast. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, moderate-low tart. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, drying lingering funky bitter finish. (4/5)
So, the douchebag hipsters on the label are a bit on the nose. Or maybe it’s like the situation with my kids, where they call me a hipster, and I agree with them, because as everybody knows hipsters never call themselves hipsters, so then they don’t know how to respond. The label also says “think Skittles in the attic”, which isn’t far off the mark. I’ve classified this as a Belgian IPA, which it isn’t, not really, but shares a lot of characteristics. Mind you, by that logic you might also just as easily call it a Saison. Labels (social or brewing style) aside, this is interesting and refreshing. I approve. (16/20)
This will be my 5,268th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Zero Issue Brewing Fangorn Bourbon Barrel Red Rye IPA (Issue #66) – India Red Ale at 6.3% ABV (C$6.30 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 11-May-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy ruby-tinted medium amber with two fingers of fine beige head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: bourbon, spicy rye, doughy caramel, grassy hops. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
That’s a lot of adjectives… but it doesn’t not work, if you get my point. The bourbon barrel is never aggressive, but it’s most apparent immediately upon opening and recedes a bit as it goes along. The spicy rye remains present throughout, and the slightly doughy caramel provides a decent base for it all. Decent enough, if not particularly memorable. (15/20)
This will be my 5,269th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Eighty-Eight Brewing Send Me An Angel – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV | 30 IBU (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 6-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 11-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of fine pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, sweet cereal grains, hints of pine and grass. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration mildly bitter finish. (4/5)
A straightforward hazy APA, fruity without being excessively sweet, with the smooth, almost creamy body and sweet cereal grain character I associate with the addition of oats to the malt bill. Pleasant, but lacking much to distinguish it in a very crowded field. After nearly two dozen from this brewer, this one is pretty darned near dead average for them. Sounds an awful lot like damning with faint praise, I suppose, but that’s not my intent: if your average output is very nearly world-class, that’s pretty good, innit? (15/20)
This will be my 5,270th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Quantum Hugs – American IPA at 6.1% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 23-Mar-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 13-May-2022)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: zesty citrus, resiny pine, wood, pale crackery malt, tropical fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry short duration moderately bitter finish. (4/5)
Insert amusing/nerdy commentary on beer name here… So, the brewer’s notes say “Cold IPA is NOT an IPL”. OK – you say that, but can you explain how it isn’t? I mean, this one uses Pilsen malt and rice, for god’s sake. Anyway, it’s hopped with Azacca, Idaho7, Motueka, Sabro, and Strata. Quite pleasant, refreshing and almost-crisp. I like it. (16/20)
This will be my 5,271st unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Analog Brewing IPA Jam Hazy DIPA – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.2% ABV (C$4.63 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 28-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 16-May-2022)
Appearance: clear lightly brown-tinged pale gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: melon, floral, cereal grains, light metallic, earthy pine. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
Definitely not hazy, but worse it’s got a greyish/brownish tinge that makes it look oxidized, and there’s also a hint of a metallic note. I suppose that might be at least in part due to the Kveik yeast, but in any case this very much isn’t my preference. (13/20)
This will be my 5,272nd unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Born Brewing Co. (Born Colorado Brewing) √16 Sour Grapefruit NEIPA – American IPA at 4.4% ABV | 4² IBU (C$4.68 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 20-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 18-May-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale straw with two fat fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: zesty grapefruit, sour gummies, crackery pale malt. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: light body, moderate carbonation, drying tart finish. (4/5)
Cute – they released four different beers for their fourth anniversary, and they’re all named “4” in different ways. (And of course I’m both a beer nerd and a math geek, so it’s like they were aiming at me.) I’ve had a lot to say about my general lack of approval for kettle sours, so I wasn’t expecting great things from this one, but it’s sufficiently citrusy (grapefruit zest, mostly) that it comes off more as a shandy or a radler, which I’m perfectly fine with. Yes, I’m well aware that’s more than a little inconsistent. “Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” The label says it’s hopped with Cascade, Citra, and Talus, but it’s fairly basic in aroma and flavour, which I blame on the tendency of lactobacillus to overwhelm everything else. Good, but ultimately not very interesting. (15/20)
This will be my 5,273rd unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Born Brewing Co. (Born Colorado Brewing) 4 = Continuously Hopped NEIPA – American IPA at 6% ABV | 22 IBU (C$4.68 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 11-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 20-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy medium gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: stone fruit, citrus, cereal grains, light tropical fruit. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly sweet medium duration finish. (3/5)
Cute – they released four different beers for their fourth anniversary, and they’re all named “4” in different ways. (And of course I’m both a beer nerd and a math geek, so it’s like they were aiming at me.) This is my second of those four, this one being continuously hopped (Talus, Citra, and Cashmere) for seven days. For whatever reason, I’m not finding the hops to be working all that well together, and the overall impression is fairly muddled and not the bright juice bomb one might hope for given the emphasis on whirlpool and dry hopping. It’s also a little sweeter, with a bit more malty cereal grain than I like to see for the style. Certainly good, but falls short of great. (15/20)
This will be my 5,274th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
S.Y.C. Brewing Co. Trappers – Session IPA at 4.5% ABV (C$4.85 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 25-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 22-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of fluffy white head, excellent retention and moderate stringy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: zesty citrus, pale cereal grains, light resiny pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Zesty and slightly juicy, this is easy drinking and crushable. The body tends light, but never watery, and the finish is clean. I would definitely have another of these. The fact that it manages all of this while staying around the “Lite beer” levels for ABV is actually pretty impressive. (16/20)
This will be my 5,275th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Offshoot Beer Co. Secret – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.1% ABV (C$5.71 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 1-Mar-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 22-May-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, bready malts, resiny pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Cashmere. Fruit notes are there, but aren’t particularly bright or juicy, and are somewhat dampened by the bready malt. Not exactly “meh”, but not as good as I usually get from this brewer. (14/20)
This will be my 5,276th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Sloop Brewing Co. Juicier Bomb – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8% ABV (C$9.35 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 13-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 23-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy and particulate-laden pale gold with two fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains, hint of pine resin. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish lingering bitter mildly warming finish. (3/5)
My first by this New York-based brewery, and it’s not particularly thrilling. The aroma is fine, but the chunky particulate appearance is frankly unappetizing, and there’s a fair amount of malty sweetness on the tongue. All in all, it’s one of those DIPAs that feels a bit ham-fisted, with the malt doing its best to overwhelm the hops. (14/20)
This will be my 5,277th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Offshoot Beer Co. 5 – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.3% ABV (C$5.76 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 29-Mar-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 24-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy opaque pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy citrus, tropical & stone fruits, pale malt, faint berries. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium-soft body, moderate carbonation, medium duration mildly warming finish. (4/5)
So the last Offshoot I did, a couple of days ago, I largely damned with faint praise, but this one is more in keeping with what I’ve come to expect from them. The brewer’s notes say this is double dry-hopped with 100% Citra, malts are 2-row and oats, and the yeast is London III – all of which is to say, I expect the hops to be big and juicy, supported by clean unobtrusive malting and no particular yeast character. Well, this ticks all those boxes. The body is pillowy, and the higher-tending ABV is almost completely absent except for a mild warming. It’s a little sweeter than I’d prefer, but that’s largely offset by the pleasant bitterness, and it still drinks easily, especially for the weight. (16/20)
This will be my 5,278th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Rogue Ales Gumberoo – American IPA at 6.8% ABV | 66 IBU (C$4.45 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 10-Feb-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 25-May-2022)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: bready caramel, tropical fruit, resiny pine, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, lingering bitter mildly warming finish. (4/5)
A fairly straightforward old-school WCIPA, malt-heavy if not actually malt-dominant (but, dammit, it’s close). It might be a touch old for the style, so maybe there’s been time for the hops to fade and the malt to gain ground by comparison. Regardless, it’s not all that interesting. (14/20)
This will be my 5,279th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Eighty-Eight Brewing Cheat Code – American IPA at 6.8% ABV | 25 IBU (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 29-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 26-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of fluffy pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: vinous white grapes, citrus, cereal grains, tropical fruit, light berry. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter, mild tart. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Not my first rodeo with Phantasm (powdered New Zealand grape skin), and it’s delivering a pretty similar experience for aroma and flavour. (Which is to say, it’s not quite as vinous as some of the beer-wine hybrids I’ve tried, but it’s not far off.) It’s also brewed with Escarpment Labs’ Thiol Libre yeast, which has always been a good performer in my (admittedly somewhat limited) experience with it. All in all, the biggest strength here is that it starts with a very pleasant base IPA, with an added boost of grape aroma and flavour to make it interesting. (16/20)
This will be my 5,280th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Born Brewing Co. (Born Colorado Brewing) Log 10000 – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8% ABV | 88 IBU (C$4.68 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 13-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 27-May-2022)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: dank resiny pine, citrus, coconut, stone fruit, crackery malt, light earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Cute – they released four different beers for their fourth anniversary, and they’re all named “4” in different ways. (And of course I’m both a beer nerd and a math geek, so it’s like they were aiming at me.) This is my third of those four, hopped with Simco, Sabro, and Mosaic. I can see this one not being to everybody’s liking, especially since it’s bitter and boozy, making no particular effort to temper either of those characteristics. In a lot of ways, it’s a throwback to the hop bomb too-bitter-to-taste beasts of a few years back, except for the coconut and stone fruit characteristics of the more modern hops. And, well, I liked those hop bombs, and I like the modern hops, so I like this. (16/20)
This will be my 5,281st unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Howe Sound Brewing Pamplemousse – American Pale Ale at 4.8% ABV (C$2.85 at Collective, 355 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 28-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with three fingers of rocky white head, good retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grapefruit, tropical fruit, caramel. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, medium duration lingering bitter mildly tart finish. (3/5)
Big grapefruit presence, with not a whole lot else happening. Pleasant, almost radler-like, with a pithy grapefruit finish. (14/20)
This will be my 5,282nd unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Rogue Ales Knuckle Buster – American IPA at 6.1% ABV (C$4.65 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 19-Jan-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 28-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with a short white head diminishing to a persistent cap, minimal spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: floral, bready malt, grass. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry short duration finish. (3/5)
Mild, almost bland, with floral and grassy hops on a rice-like malt. Maybe it was better new – I certainly hope it was, anyway – but as it stands it’s a lot like a standard adjunct macro lager. (12/20)
This will be my 5,283rd unique Untappd check-in.
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Born Brewing Co. (Born Colorado Brewing) 2² – American IPA at 6.9% ABV | 28 IBU (C$4.68 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 13-Apr-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 30-May-2022)
Appearance: hazy opaque straw with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, tropical fruit, citrus, cereal grains, herbal/tea. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry medium duration bitter finish. (4/5)
Cute – they released four different beers for their fourth anniversary, and they’re all named “4” in different ways. (And of course I’m both a beer nerd and a math geek, so it’s like they were aiming at me.) This is the last of the four, hopped with Cryo-Citra, Cryo-Mosaic, Amarillo, and El Dorado. The aroma is not as emphatic as I’d like, especially for Cryo-hopping, but is certainly pleasant. Balanced bitterness, especially for the ABV, makes for a decent finish. Not quite as good as the DIPA in the series, but a solid performer and perhaps just a bit above average for my experience with this brewer. (16/20)
This will be my 5,284th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
DuClaw Brewing Company Noir – Black IPA at 7% ABV | 58 IBU (C$5.71 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 28-Jan-2022, acquired 10-May-2022, reviewed 30-May-2022)
Appearance: clear deep cola red with two fingers of fine light beige head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: roasted malts, cocoa nibs, resiny pine, grapefruit, herbal, light red berries & earth, spices. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, drying medium duration bitter slightly astringent finish. (4/5)
The needle on this one is definitely more at the “black” end of the scale, than the “IPA” end – which is to say, it’s a bit more about the roasted malts than the hop presence. Mind you, this might be because it’s a little on the older side, so maybe the balance was different when it was young. The brewer notes say it’s hopped with Chinook, Citra, Simcoe, and Amarillo, and I’m not getting anything unexpected or out of range for those hops. It might look a little intimidating to the uninitiated, and has a pleasantly complex aroma, but all in all it’s a solid, well-balanced, enjoyable brew. (16/20)
This will be my 5,285th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Cabin Brewing Company Super Love – American Pale Ale at 6% ABV (C$4.72 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 17-Jun-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 24-Jun-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, oats. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, sweetish moderate bitter finish. (3/5)
I assume this is just a pride re-branding of Super Saturation. (Well, I say “just”, but Super Saturation is OK, so I’m not complaining. Not much, anyway.) If not, it’s a helluva lot like it. Aaand I just checked and, sure enough, it’s just a label, so we’re done here. Moving on! (14/20)
This will be my 5,286th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Belching Beaver Brewery Pomalo Pale – American Pale Ale at 5.6% ABV | 50 IBU (C$4.59 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 19-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 27-Jun-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, grass, sweet caramel. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, medium duration moderate bitter finish. (3/5)
A fairly straightforward and old-fashioned Pale without much to distinguish it other than the somewhat emphatic bitter note. Probably a bit too long in the can, so maybe there’d be a bit more in the way of aroma when fresh, but I don’t see that bitter bite changing. Not really a criticism – certainly, it’s not too bitter for me – but I can see it affecting how approachable people might consider it. Bit of a throwback to the pre-hazy days in a lot of ways. (14/20)
This will be my 5,287th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Sea Change Brewing Co. Adam’s Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 5.6% ABV (C$4.27 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 9-Jun-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 28-Jun-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, short duration mildly bitter finish. (4/5)
Nice one. Not particularly emphatic or robust, but pleasant and approachable, with no off notes. Smooth, almost creamy body, but not too sweet, so it remains fairly clean through the finish despite the slightly lower carbonation. (15/20)
This will be my 5,288th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Dandy Brewing / Bellwoods Brewery Rockin’ Little Combo – American Pale Ale at 5.8% ABV (C$4.95 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 29-Jun-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, floral, cereal grains, tropical fruit, light pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, medium duration mildly bitter finish. (4/5)
Wait, what? A Bellwoods collab in AB? Sweet! And the beer, well, it’s not too sweet. Pleasant, crushable, verging on mild, but I suppose that’s in-spec for a Pale. Definitely a decent patio beer. (16/20)
This will be my 5,289th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Parallel 49 Stay Golden – American IPA at 7.4% ABV (C$3.60 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 30-Jun-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, good retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, sweetish medium slightly dank finish. (3/5)
A bit too sweet, but other than that a fairly standard example of the style. There’s a hint of dank in the finish, but it’s not really interesting enough to push this above good. (14/20)
This will be my 5,290th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Russell Brewing Company Juicy Dry Hopped Pale – American Pale Ale at 5.3% ABV | 20 IBU (C$4.18 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 23-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 1-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, good retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grass, citrus, cereal grains, tropical fruit, light coconut, hint of pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, sweetish mild finish. (3/5)
The label says this is hopped with Citra, Sabro, and Galaxy, but I’m not really getting any big juicy notes from either. Maybe it’s a bit too long in the can, but I’m grassy notes dominate over citrus and tropical fruit on the front end, and there’s just a little coconut in the finish. There are no real off notes, but ultimately it’s just not all that interesting.(14/20)
This will be my 5,291st unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Born Brewing Co. / Cabin Brewing Company 87 Steps – American IPA at 7% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 13-Jun-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 10-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy tropical fruit, citrus, melon, cereal grains. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry mild finish. (4/5)
Cute. Born and Cabin are literally across the street from each other, thus the collaboration and name – though maybe the precise number of steps varies depending on how many of these you’ve had? Drank these backwards, though: I should have done the lower-ABV Cabin APA first, but I wrongly assumed it was a “same recipe, different house” type of deal. As to which one is better, tough call. This one is quite a bit more enthusiastic than its brother from another mother, but the aroma is a bit more diffuse, if not quite muddled. End of the day, I think I have to score them pretty much the same, for different reasons. Can’t find any brewer notes to verify hops. (16/20)
This will be my 5,292nd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Cabin Brewing Company / Born Brewing Co. 87 Steps – American Pale Ale at 4.5% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 7-Jun-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 10-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: bright citrus, dank pine, crackery malt. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry mild finish. (4/5)
Cute. Born and Cabin are literally across the street from each other, thus the collaboration and name – though maybe the precise number of steps varies depending on how many of these you’ve had? Drank these backwards, though: I should have done the lower-ABV Cabin APA first, but I wrongly assumed it was a “same recipe, different house” type of deal. As to which one is better, tough call. This one is quite a bit more laid back than its brother from another mother, but the bright grapefruit and dank pine aroma is a bit more up my street. End of the day, I think I have to score them pretty much the same, for different reasons. Brewer notes say this is hopped with Talus and Cashmere. (16/20)
This will be my 5,293rd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
AleSmith Brewing Company 394 Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 6.0% ABV | 13 IBU (C$4.63 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 21-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 12-Jul-2022)
Appearance: clear deep gold with two fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, caramel, tropical fruit, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium duration mild bitter finish. (3/5)
I’m not getting the “bright citrus and tropical fruit” the label promises, but age might well be a factor there. (The beer’s age, not mine. Though, to be fair, that’s a factor in more and more things these days too…) I’m getting a fair bit of malty sweetness, which for me always seems to dull the brightness of the hops. Decent, but not great – but maybe better fresh. (14/20)
This will be my 5,294th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
S.Y.C. Brewing Co. Mad Chillin – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV (C$4.36 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 31-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 12-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of loose off-white head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: juicy citrus and tropical fruit, cereal grains. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, short duration finish. (4/5)
The aroma begins with brightly juicy citrus and tropical fruit that gradually gives way to a pithy pineapple. Crushable and easy to drink. (16/20)
This will be my 5,295th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Slackwater Brewing Party Wave Hazy Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 4.5% ABV | 25 IBU (C$4.27 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 2-May-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 13-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale straw with two fingers of fluffy white head, good retention and moderate chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, pithy citrus, stone fruit, cereal grains. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: light body tending slightly watery, moderate-low carbonation, short duration finish. (3/5)
The aroma is quite mild, but what there is of it is pleasant, and consistent with the brewer indication that it’s hopped with Mosaic and Amarillo. The body is very light, particularly through the finish, where it flirts with astringency but never quite gets there. Ultimately it’s not unpleasant, but it’s very much a Pale that seems like a watered-down version of something bigger. (14/20)
This will be my 5,296th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Canmore Brewing Company Heatwave Juicy IPA – American IPA at 5.7% ABV | 35 IBU (C$4.72 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 13-Jul-2022)
Appearance: clear pale gold with one finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: stewed fruits, caramel, grass, hint of pine. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, medium duration finish. (3/5)
Bit of a mess. Soggy stewed fruits and sweet caramel. Meh. (13/20)
This will be my 5,297th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Boombox Brewing Company / Kilter Brewing Super Citra Bros. – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 22-Apr-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 14-Jul-2022)
Appearance: opaque pale gold with two fat fingers of fluffy white head, excellent retention and spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, cereal grains, grass, hint of dank resiny pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, bitter mildly warming finish. (4/5)
Can’t find any brewer’s notes for this version, but if it’s hopped the same as the Kilter one, it should have T90 Citra, lupulin-enriched Citra, Incognito Citra, and LUPOMAX Citra. For all that, I’m not finding it as bright and juicy as I would have hoped, especially since the bigger DIPA body should be able to support the bigger hopping. (15/20)
This will be my 5,298th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Sloop Brewing Co. Open Waters – American IPA at 6% ABV (C$8.25 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 13-Apr-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 14-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fat fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, good retention and spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, cereal grains, tropical fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry mildly bitter finish. (4/5)
Can’t find any brewer’s notes, but decent job by the interns: pleasant fruity hops on a clean malt base. (15/20)
This will be my 5,299th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Slackwater Brewing What the Fog!? – American IPA at 6.8% ABV | 39 IBU (C$4.63 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 20-Apr-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 18-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fat fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, good retention and well-defined lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, stone fruit, cereal grains, tropical fruit. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: soft medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, off-dry mildly bitter finish. (4/5)
“With Citra & El Dorado hops”. Decent juicy aroma, balanced sweetness and bitterness on a soft oaty body. Good stuff, if not all that memorable. (15/20)
This will be my 5,300th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Boombox Brewing Company FM Attack – American IPA at 6.5% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 30-May-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 18-Jul-2022)
Appearance: opaque hazy pale gold with one finger of loose pale ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, dank pine resin, cereal grains. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, slightly dank bitter finish. (4/5)
Decent aroma and flavour bracketed by unimpressive appearance and slightly disappointing finish that verges on sharp. (15/20)
This will be my 5,301st unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Great Lakes Brewery Karma Simcoe – American IPA at 6.6% ABV | 65 IBU (C$4.72 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 14-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 19-Jul-2022)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fat fingers of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and heavy chunky lacing. (5/5) Aroma: mild, citrus, resiny pine, biscuity malt, earth, light floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, dank lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Like the original Karma Citra, they don’t specifically say it’s a single-hop, but I assume it is, from the name and the label notes. Probably a bit elderly, which might be why the aroma is a bit on the mild side. In fact, comparing my notes to the original, I scored this identically except for the aroma component, which came up a full 2/10 less. So, yeah, I’m probably being unfair and should try it fresher. (16/20)
This will be my 5,302nd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Tempest Brewing Co. Barrel 04 Sidecar – Imperial Pale Ale at 10.5% ABV (C$12.75 at Collective, 330 ml, packaged on 5-Nov-2021, best before 5-Nov-2024, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 19-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep amber with one finger of fine ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus zest, bourbon, vanilla, toffee & caramel, black tea. (9/10) Taste: high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full slightly slick body, moderate-low carbonation, lingering & building bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Complicated and interesting. I don’t know that I’ve had more than maybe two or three Sidecars in my life, but I certainly am getting the kinds of associated aromatics the label notes indicate: orange/lemon zest and bourbon barrel, built on a base of sweet toffee. A fun slow sipper, even if “Imperial Pale Ale” (with or without the “Barrel-Aged” modifier) is one of the absolute dumbest styles I’ve been forced to add to my database. (16/20)
This will be my 5,303rd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Strange Fellows Brewing Cyclhops – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 40 IBU (C$4.81 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 9-May-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 21-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, citrus flesh and pith, cereal grains, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, medium duration finish. (4/5)
Single-hopped with Eclipse, which is in my experience one of the few hops that actually has enough character to carry off a single hop. This one is milder than I would have liked, but perhaps the age is a factor here. Seems to me this would be better on tap at the brewery. (15/20)
This will be my 5,304th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Zero Issue Brewing Infinity IPA (Issue #69) – Cold IPA at 6.9% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 21-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of fine white head diminishing gradually to a thick cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: dank pine resin, citrus zest, pale crackery malt. (8/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, dry crisp finish. (4/5)
Fine, I’ll add it as a style, OK? Geez! I still don’t know how it isn’t an IPL, though… This one kind of grew on me as it progressed, with the bitterness and crisp dryness contributing to a fairly attenuated feel. Coincidental that Issue #69 (nice) is 6.9% (nice) ABV? (15/20)
This will be my 5,305th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Boombox Brewing Company Subsonic – Session IPA at 4% ABV (C$3.25 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 29-Apr-2022, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 22-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus zest, pale malt, tropical fruit, light pine and coconut. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium-light body tending thin, moderate carbonation, off-dry short duration slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
Brewer notes say this is hopped with Citra and Sabro. I’m finding it to be mild throughout, starting with the aroma and all the way through the finish. Definitely one of those SIPAs that tastes like a watered-down IPA. Yeah, OK, it’s low ABV, but I’d rather have a higher ABV and more flavour. (13/20)
This will be my 5,306th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
33 Brewing Experiment Baby Azacca – American IPA at 5.5% ABV (C$2.95 at Collective, 355 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Jun-2022, reviewed 22-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of fine white head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, cereal grains, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry short duration finish. (4/5)
Decent but falls a little short of impressive. (15/20)
This will be my 5,307th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Henderson Brewing Company Moving Pitchers Limited Edition 2022 – Belgian Golden Strong Ale at 11.9% ABV (C$14.00 at Collective, 500 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 23-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale amber with one finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: complex, orchard fruits, candi sugar, grape must, bubblegum white pepper, hint of barrel. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, mild tart. (8/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering warming finish. (4/5)
To be honest, the only reason I bought this was because of the RUSH tie-in, but it’s pretty decent. Pleasant complexity in the aroma and flavour, and the no-holds-barred ABV is very well integrated, so it really sneaks up on you. (15/20)
This will be my 5,308th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Offshoot Beer Co. Cross My Heart – American IPA at 6.6% ABV (C$5.71 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 9-May-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 24-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of loose pale ivory head, excellent retention and spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: juicy tropical & stone fruit, citrus, cereal grains, light pine resin & earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Hopped with Mosaic, El Dorado, and Simcoe; malts are 2-Row, Oats, and Carafoam; yeast is London III. There’s not a single thing wrong with this, other than the slightly less than impressive head and lacing – but there’s also not a lot to distinguish it from a very large field of very similar beers. Yeah, it’s probably my own fault for developing a preference that happens to be so very prevalent right now, but it seems like an awful lot of brewers are producing some very similar products, and they’re all at a respectably high level. So, for me at least, you have to be a cut above to push through to the next level – and this, though good, isn’t. (15/20)
This will be my 5,309th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Rebellion Brewing Co. Hazy IPA – American IPA at 6% ABV (C$4.95 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 16-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 24-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy and particulate-laden pale gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and heavy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: stone fruit, caramel, herbal, citrus. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
You know there’s a difference between “hazy” and “chunky”, right? Maybe my own fault for buying a four month old can, but this isn’t impressive at all. (13/20)
This will be my 5,310th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Blindman Brewing Longershadows – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.1% ABV | 60 IBU (C$5.13 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 14-Jul-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 25-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy straw with two fat fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, wheat/banana, faint earthy pine. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish lingering warming finish. (4/5)
It isn’t often that I prefer the lighter-weight precursor to its more bombastic Double version, but it’s the case here: Longshadows is a much better beer. In fact, this one doesn’t even have all that much in common with Longshadows. It’s certainly sharper in flavour, which is surprising given its higher malt bill. And not that it matters a whole lot, but it’s barely even “hazy” – which wouldn’t be a big deal, except they put it right on the can. And it’s not age, because this thing is less than two weeks old. All in all, a bit of a disappointment. (14/20)
This will be my 5,311th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Burlington Beer Co. It’s Complicated Being a Wizard – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8% ABV (C$7.95 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 11-May-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 25-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale amber with one fat finger of pillowy pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, citrus, cereal grains, dank resin, light floral. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky medium duration warming finish. (4/5)
Brewer’s notes say this is hopped with Simcoe, Idaho 7, and Chinook. Solid and relatively easy to drink despite its fairly high ABV. Both the sweetness and the bitterness initially threaten to get out of hand, but ultimately neither do. Nice one. (16/20)
This will be my 5,312nd unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Great Notion Brewing & Barrel House Juice Jr. – American IPA at 6% ABV | 20 IBU (C$8.95 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 31-May-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 27-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of loose white head, good retention and spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: juicy tropical fruit & citrus, stone fruit, cereal grains, resiny pine. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (9/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Nice one. Well-balanced juicy and dank, on a clean cereal grain malt base. It’s not exactly crushable, and in fact it feels every bit of the reported ABV if not more, but it drinks well. I’d be happy to have a few more of these. (17/20)
This will be my 5,313rd unique Untappd check-in.
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Upstreet Craft Brewing Do Gooder – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV (C$4.35 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 24-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 28-Jul-2022)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of fluffy pale amber head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel malt, citrus, earthy pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky medium duration finish. (4/5)
Straightforward, traditional and well-constructed APA – not much more to say than that. (15/20)
This will be my 5,314th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
The Establishment Brewing Company Valley Hi! – American IPA at 6.5% ABV (C$4.81 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 12-Jul-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 28-Jul-2022)
Appearance: hazy opaque pale gold with one fat finger of fluffy pale amber head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: zesty citrus, stone fruit, bready malt, resiny pine. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes indicate this is hopped with Mosaic and Citra, and that’s what I get in both the aroma and flavour. Yet another solid contender from a brewery that rarely disappoints. (17/20)
This will be my 5,315th unique Untappd check-in.
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Night Shift Brewing Whirlpool Hazy Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 4.5% ABV (C$7.85 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 23-May-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 29-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale straw with two fat fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus zest, pale crackery malt, light resiny pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry short duration finish. (4/5)
Brewer’s notes say this is dry-hopped with Mosaic and Ella. Pleasant aroma, but not as enthusiastic as I’d like. To some extent, this is one of those APA’s that seems like a watered-down IPA. Not unpleasant, but a touch watery. (17/20)
This will be my 5,316th unique Untappd check-in.
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
DuClaw Brewing Company Turn West – American IPA at 7.5% ABV | 60 IBU (C$5.98 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 11-Apr-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 29-Jul-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel malt, resiny pine, stone fruit, citrus, leafy greens. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Hopped with Chinook, Mosaic, and Idaho 7. Straightforward traditional WCIPA. (15/20)
This will be my 5,317th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Black Bridge Brewery The Steaks Are High – Session IPA at 4.3% ABV (C$5.26 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 7-Jun-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 1-Aug-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, stone fruit, pale malt, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, short duration finish. (4/5)
Decent one: sessionable, but not so light so as to be watery. Could stand to be a bit more emphatic in aroma and flavour, but it’s pleasant. (15/20)
This will be my 5,318th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Burlington Beer Co. Future Glow – Session IPA at 4.5% ABV (C$7.65 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 24-May-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 1-Aug-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale straw with one fat finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly to thin skim, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, coconut, pale malt, floral, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, short duration slightly thin finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say this one is hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Ahtanum. I thought I was going to rate it higher, but the initially bright and juicy aroma faded fairly quickly. It stays pleasant, but doesn’t quite live up to its initial promise. As is so common with the style, it also tends slightly thin in the finish. (14/20)
This will be my 5,319th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Burlington Beer Co. Creatures of Magic – American IPA at 6.5% ABV (C$7.85 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 19-May-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 2-Aug-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of fluffy white head, excellent retention and heavy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, citrus, stone fruit, cereal grains, pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: creamy medium body, moderate carbonation, short duration slightly thin finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say this is hopped with Mosaic, Simcoe, and Ekaunot. Decently well-balanced and pleasant, without being particularly memorable. A good example of the style. (16/20)
This will be my 5,320th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Eighty-Eight Brewing Love Letter – American IPA at 5.2% ABV | 20 IBU (C$4.95 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 10-Jun-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 9-Aug-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with one finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, cereal grains, tropical fruit, light pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say this is hopped with “experimental hops”, but don’t specify which. A pleasant, if fairly typical, example of the style, with citrus and oaty cereal grains leading the way. There’s a little sharp, almost vegetal note on the tongue that I can’t quite pin down, and maybe that’s attributable to these unspecified experimental hops. (15/20)
This will be my 5,321st unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Fremont Brewing Sky Kraken – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV (C$3.95 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 7-Mar-2022, acquired 23-Jul-2022, reviewed 30-Aug-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, sweetish slightly sticky finish. (3/5)
Brewer notes say this is brewed with 2-Row Pale malt, White Wheat, Flaked Wheat, Malted Oats, and Rolled Oats with Citra, Mosaic, and Strata hops. Yes, that’s pretty much exactly what it smells and tastes like. Pleasant and easy to drink, and my only (minor) complaint is that it finishes just a tad sweet for my preference. (15/20)
This will be my 5,322nd unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Hypha Project Nice! – Session IPA at 2.6% ABV (C$5.40 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 15-Jul-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 6-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with some particulate, one fat finger of rocky pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, cereal grains, vinous grape, stone fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate-high carbonation, short duration slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
Hopped with Enigma and Simcoe. Pretty much what the name says: nice. You probably wouldn’t guess the ABV is anywhere near as low as it is – hell, I probably wouldn’t even have guessed it was light at all. There’s a hint of astringency in the finish, but it works well with the flavours to almost feel tart instead, and it doesn’t greatly detract from the overall profile. They’ve definitely done well to pack so much body and flavour into such a very lightweight brew. (14/20)
This will be my 5,323rd unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Troubled Monk Brewery Cryo Baby – American IPA at 6.8% ABV (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 22-Jul-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 6-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, cereal grains, hint of mint and dank pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration finish. (3/5)
Starts pleasant, but lost steam fairly quickly. In particular, the aroma and flavour become less pleasant rapidly upon warming, making it hard to take my time enjoying it. (14/20)
This will be my 5,324th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Brasserie Dunham Faux Fruit – American Double / Imperial IPA at 8% ABV (C$6.97 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 29-Jun-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 7-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy gold with some particulate, two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, good retention and minimal spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, citrus, cereal grains, light pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: smooth medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration mildly warming finish. (4/5)
How the hell is this “Faux Fruit” if it’s “with pineapple”? Shouldn’t it just be “Fruit”? (Now, that being said, there’s not a whole lot of pineapple character here, and it’s really only noticeable in the finish.) That finish, by the way, is only mildly warming, giving very little indication of the fairly bombastic ABV. Add to that the juicy fruit character without excessive sweetness, and you’ve got a recipe for success in my book. (16/20)
This will be my 5,325th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Overhop Brewing Co. Nina – Session IPA at 3.1% ABV | 22 IBU (C$4.41 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 6-May-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 8-Sep-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale straw with two fingers of loose white head, good retention and moderate spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, tropical & stone fruits, citrus, cereal grains, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: light body, lively carbonation, short duration crisp finish. (4/5)
Hopped with Citra, Zythos, and Mosaic. So, this is a “nano” version of their Hazy, which I quite liked. I think I like this one almost as much, and certainly more than their other SIPA, Keep on Lovin. That one, I considered OK only when adding the “for a Session” qualifier, but this one, despite obviously being light in character, doesn’t need that qualifier. Yes, it’s light, easy, and fun, but it’s also pleasantly (if mildly) flavourful. (15/20)
This will be my 5,326th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Collective Arts Brewing IPA No. 22 – American IPA at 6.3% ABV (C$5.08 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 16-Jun-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 8-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with some particulate, two fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and chunky lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, melon, coconut, oats, pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light tart. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
Hopped with Sabro, Lotus, and HBC 472. Sabro seems to dominate here, with lots of coconut and some woody pine following closely behind the orangey citrus and rindy melon. This is underscored by the name given on the brewer website, but not the can: “Sabrolicious Lotus”. (Is this a thing now? They’re putting names to the series, but only on the site? Or is it just a descriptor?) I’m not completely thrilled by this one, if I’m honest: in particular, there’s a bit of astringency that makes the finish slightly edgy. Certainly not one of the best in the series, and I might actually be being a little generous in my scoring, because, come on: it’s a CA numbered IPA. (14/20)
This will be my 5,327th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Microbrasserie Les Trois Mousquetaires NEIPA DDH – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 32 IBU (C$4.95 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 10-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with some particulate, one fat finger of rocky white head, excellent retention and well-defined droopy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: stone fruit, citrus, vinous grape, light resiny pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration slightly warming finish. (4/5)
Hopped with Rakau, Cryo Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin. I’m not sure about this one: it’s not unpleasant, but it’s just not exciting me. (14/20)
This will be my 5,328th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Boneyard Beer RPM IPA – American IPA at 6.5% ABV | 50 IBU (C$4.14 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 25-May-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 11-Sep-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep gold, one fat finger of rocky white head, good retention and well-defined droopy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel, floral, tropical fruit, citrus, pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration slightly warming finish. (4/5)
I was initially going to characterize this as old-school (or old-fashioned) but after some reflection I no longer think that’s entirely correct. It has throwback elements, certainly, like the malt dominance in both aroma and flavour, but the hopping is unmistakably modern, with fruits leading the way over pine, and no grass to be found. I might be just slightly over-rating this, but not by a whole lot. (16/20)
This will be my 5,329th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Belching Beaver Brewery Ride the Pine – American IPA at 7.5% ABV | 60 IBU (C$5.17 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 17-May-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 11-Sep-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold, two fingers of fine pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: resiny pine, zesty citrus, cereal grains, green weeds. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration off-dry finish. (4/5)
I like it. Slightly throwback in nature, but benefiting from modern hopping. A solid WCIPA with an interesting piney dominance buttressed by a zesty grapefruit-like citrus, clean cereal grains, and leafy green weeds. (16/20)
This will be my 5,330th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Deciduous Brewing Company By Myself Single Hop Ale (Strata) – American IPA at 6.8% ABV (C$8.95 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 12-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy deep gold, two fingers of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: pithy citrus, tropical fruit, berries, dank pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, medium duration slightly sticky finish. (4/5)
Yep, Strata is definitely one of those hops that can carry a single-hop. And this is totally all about the hop, with very little malt character to speak of. A very well-done examination of the hop. (16/20)
This will be my 5,331st unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Category 12 Brewing Pathway – American Pale Ale at 5% ABV | 38 IBU (C$4.72 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 7-Jul-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 13-Sep-2022)
Appearance: clear medium amber, one fat finger of fine ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel, floral, resiny pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration slightly sticky lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say the “signature hops” are Centennial, but I suspect it’s not actually a single-hop. This is a type of Pale that one might have encountered any time in the past, what, 30 years or so? (I just checked, and Centennial was introduced 32 years ago, so yes, that works.) It’s decent, but not all that exciting. (14/20)
This will be my 5,332nd unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Snake Lake Brewing Company American Pale Ale Number.01 – American Pale Ale at 5.3% ABV| 35 IBU (C$4.45 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 14-Sep-2022)
Appearance: brightly clear straw with two fingers of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate chunky lacing. (5/5) Aroma: floral, pine, biscuity malt, grass, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry bitter finish. (4/5)
Seems a little sharp for 35 IBU, probably because there’s not a lot of malt sweetness there to moderate the bite. Otherwise crisp and light, fairly refreshing. It would be nice if the aroma and flavours were as bright as the pretty much perfect appearance, but I guess one can’t have everything, right? (15/20)
This will be my 5,333rd unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Brasserie Dunham / Brasserie Dieu du Ciel / Vices & Versa Électrolite – Session IPA at 3% ABV (C$5.85 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 30-Jun-2022, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 15-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale straw with two fingers of fluffy white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grass, herbal, cereal grains, light citrus. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: light body tending watery, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry short slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
Definitely in problem territory here, verging on “too light to allow decent hopping”. I like the idea of “breakfast beer” levels of ABV, and appreciate those that rise to the challenge, but this one just doesn’t work for me. A rare swing and a miss from two very reliable breweries (Dunham and DDC) and since I know nothing about the third, I guess we’ll blame them? (13/20)
This will be my 5,334th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Burlington Beer Co. Elaborate Metaphor – American Pale Ale at 5.4% ABV (C$7.75 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 27-Apr-2022, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 17-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale straw with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, good retention and spotty soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, melon, floral, cereal grains. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry short finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say Barley, Flaked Oats, Wheat, and Raw Wheat, hopped with Citra and Amarillo hops. A straightforward and pleasant NEIPA with fruity hops supported by clean malt. (16/20)
This will be my 5,335th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Snake Lake Brewing Company West Coast IPA No.01 – American IPA at 7.8% ABV | 60 IBU (C$4.50 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 30-Aug-2022, reviewed 17-Sep-2022)
Appearance: crystal clear deep gold with one fat finger of fine pale ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel, floral, mildly resiny pine, citrus. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Label notes say small portions of Munich and Biscuit malt; kettle and dry-hopped with Simcoe, Columbus, and Mosaic; Escarpment Cali Ale yeast. I’m hesitant to say this is bang-on for a WCIPA, given the fact that despite the supposed aggressive hopping, I’m not really getting that emphatic dank pine note I prefer for the style. On the other hand, it’s a nicely-done post-haze-craze ale. Ultimately I could have gone a bit lower on both aroma and taste, but I’m not far off as I’ve left it. (16/20)
This will be my 5,336th unique Untappd check-in.
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Theoretically Brewing Co. Phase Transformation – American Pale Ale at 4.5% ABV (C$3.73 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 20-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy straw with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grass, biscuity malt, floral, faint citrus. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry mild finish. (3/5)
The label notes claim “bright bold flavours of citrus and tropical hops”, but that’s nothing like the grassy Pilsner note I get, or the almost Saison flavour. (It doesn’t help that I’m so much of a geek that every time I glance at the label, I see “Pb” {lead} which isn’t exactly appetizing for a beverage.) There’s nothing actually offensive here, but it’s so wildly divergent from its stated intent that I’ve got to think something went horribly wrong somewhere on the line. (13/20)
This will be my 5,337th unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Sierra Nevada Dankful IPA – American IPA at 7.4% ABV | 55 IBU (C$3.50 at Collective, 355 ml, packaged on 18-Feb-2022, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 20-Sep-2022)
Appearance: clear pale amber with a massive rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and heavy soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: dank pine, caramel, citrus, mixed fruits. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes say Caramelized malts, Rye, Two-row Pale; Columbus, Chinook, Ekuanot, Idaho 7, Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, Zappa; Ale Yeast. I didn’t notice the packaging date when I picked this one up, so I suppose I should be “dankful” that it’s drinkable at all. I suspect it’s a little less emphatic than it would be fresh, but I’m not sure that the background of caramel and mixed fruit would change much even so. Decent, but not stellar. (15/20)
This will be my 5,338th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
High River Brewing Co. / Big Beaver Brewing A Tale of Two Towns – American Double / Imperial IPA at 7.5% ABV (C$4.45 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 20-Sep-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one finger of loose pale ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: citrus, stone fruit, cereal grains. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry mildly bitter finish. (4/5)
The namesake for this beer always reminds me of the Monty Python Bookshop Sketch and the “Er, how about ‘A Sale of Two Titties’?” line, so we’re off to a good start. Plus, they’re two of the three brewers closest to my house, so I’m inclined to be kindly disposed towards them. And, I mean, it’s OK. Not great, but OK. Certainly, it drinks easily for a fairly enthusiastic ABV, so it’s got that going on. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really conform to what I expect for an NEIPA (OK, fine, a DNEIPA): it’s not all that hazy, and it’s not all that brightly juicy. All of that said, I really should visit BBB more… (14/20)
This will be my 5,339th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Theoretically Brewing Co. Rye-sing Tide – Rye IPA at 4.5% ABV (C$3.82 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 21-Sep-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy brown-tinged pale gold with two fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grass, spicy rye, caramel, earth, hint of citrus. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Quite a bit more grass than rye, and only a hint of citrus at the back end. This is a style that can be interesting and fun, but you sort of have to lean into the rye – and this one doesn’t, so it really just ends up being a grassy earthy throwback IPA without a lot to distinguish it. (14/20)
This will be my 5,340th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Ale Architect Brewing Ltd. Glow Pop 2 – American Pale Ale at 5% ABV (C$4.45 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 26-Sep-2022)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with two fingers of fluffy pale ivory head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, citrus, cereal grains. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly creamy body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
Double dry-hopped with two of my favourites, Galaxy and Vic Secret, but I’m not getting the big juicy aroma I’d like from those two. What there is, is fine, but it just seems a little subdued, especially for DDH. Not a complaint as such, but I found it a little odd that the body tends somewhat smooth (oaty) but the carbonation is a little lively, almost prickly. On the other hand, I find higher carbonation helps make a beer more-ish, since it tends to clear the palate a little better for the next sip. All in all, pleasant, if not exactly next-level. (15/20)
This will be my 5,341st unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
New Level Brewing Pride Lord – American IPA at 5% ABV | 30 IBU (C$3.91 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 29-Sep-2022)
Appearance: slightly hazy brown-tinted straw with one fat finger of fine white head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, spotty lacing. (2/5) Aroma: mild, stone fruit, cereal grains, grass. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
I dunno if this is supposed to be a version of Haze Lord, but if it is, it’s a distinct regression. It’s even dirtier in appearance than Haze Lord Quarantine Edition, but has a much milder aroma than that or the original. The appearance is so dirty, in fact, I’d be tempted to suggest it’s oxidized, but I’m not getting any cardboard aroma to confirm that. Plus, although there’s no date code on the can it’s presumably relatively new, since September is Pride Month. Not much going on, and definitely a poor example of an NEIPA. Pretty disappointing. (13/20)
This will be my 5,343rd unique Untappd check-in.
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Prairie Dog Brewing / XhAle Brew Co. Crispy Gurl – Cold IPA at 6.8% ABV | 50 IBU (C$4.72 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 5-Aug-2022, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 30-Sep-2022)
Appearance: clear straw with one fat finger of fluffy white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, pine, biscuity malt, grass. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
Not far off the stated design intent of half Euro Lager, half WCIPA. The hoppiness becomes more pronounced as it warms, with clean malt supporting. To the extent that I have a complaint here (beyond my perennial “What’s the difference between a Cold IPA and an India Pale Lager?”) it’s that the aroma and flavour are pleasant, but just not as emphatic as I’d like. For that reason, it falls just a little short in my opinion. (15/20)
This will be my 5,344th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Stone Brewing Company Hazy IPA – American IPA at 6.7% ABV | 35 IBU (C$5.85 at Collective, 568 ml, packaged on 12-Jul-2022, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 1-Oct-2022)
Appearance: hazy deep gold with one fat finger of fluffy white head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: complex, stone fruit, melon, citrus, tropical fruit, biscuity malt, coconut, pine, cedar, earth, mint. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
I’m SO conflicted on Stone these days. On the one hand, I’m all fangirling out about the fact that we’re actually getting relatively fresh product locally, but on the other hand they’re like the ex that you’re so completely over that you find yourself wondering what you ever saw in them at all. OK, rant over, beer: the label says it’s hopped with El Dorado, Azacca, and Sabro, and I think I’m getting literally every characteristic that everybody ever described for each of those hops. Which makes this crazy complex, especially with the Sabro notes of coconut and mint coming through. It’s actually fairly enjoyable, but I think if anything I’m being a little generous on the scoring here, because it’s nowhere near as straight-up mind-blowing as they once were. These days, I think of Stone as The Beatles of craft beer: hugely influential, but eclipsed by the superior technical excellence of the generations they inspired. (No, I can’t listen to The Beatles any more. At all. Maybe I can’t drink Stone any more, either?) (15/20)
This will be my 5,345th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
The Establishment Brewing Company More Than Rain – Dark Lager at 5.6% ABV (C$4.05 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 25-Aug-2022, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 3-Oct-2022)
Appearance: clear deep amber with two fingers of rocky beige head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: bready toasted malt, cocoa, grass, hint of smoke. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
If one had to drink a Lager, one could do a lot worse. (15/20)
This will be my 5,346th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Origin Brewing Stones Throw Stone Fruit Pale Ale – American Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV (C$3.60 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 4-Oct-2022)
Appearance: hazy muddy particulate-laden pale amber with one fat finger of loose pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thin skim and ring, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: mild, stone fruit, citrus, hint of pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, mild tart. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, off-dry medium bitter finish. (4/5)
I cut them a little break on the appearance after reading that there’s actual stone fruit purée in this, but damn, it’s fugly. Aroma and taste are more or less consistent with that, largely dominated by the fruit but with a little piney hops in the back end. Not as emphatic as I’d like, but not unpleasant. (14/20)
This will be my 5,347th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
AleSmith Brewing Company / Revision Brewing Company Split Aces – American IPA at 6.8% ABV (C$5.40 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 26-May-2022, acquired 15-Sep-2022, reviewed 5-Oct-2022)
Appearance: clear pale gold with one fat finger of rocky pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, moderate soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: overripe tropical fruit, pine, bready caramel, berries. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Can notes say hopped with Idaho 7, Chinook, and Mosaic. Not unpleasant, but personally, I prefer more dankness in a WCIPA. On the other hand, it’s got a pleasantly bitter bite that’s in keeping with the style, so it’s not missing the mark entirely. I’ve had only a few AleSmith offerings, and have seen Revision only twice and as collaborations, so I don’t really have an extensive track record to draw upon, but this isn’t really one that’s going to motivate me to go out seeking either. (14/20)
This will be my 5,348th unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Steamworks Brewing Company Empress NW DIPA – American Double / Imperial IPA at 9% ABV | 101 IBU (C$4.36 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 26-Aug-2022, acquired 6-Oct-2022, reviewed 6-Oct-2022)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fat fingers of rocky pale ivory head, excellent retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: dank pine, citrus, pale malts. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, warming lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Brewer notes indicate this is hopped with Strata, Idaho 7, Citra, Columbus, and Cascade, in addition to adjuncts of tangerine and raspberry. I can’t say I’m getting a lot of the adjunct, especially the reported raspberry, possibly because this is just so emphatic in other ways – particularly the emphatic bitterness. This is actually fairly well-balanced overall, with that emphatic bitterness playing well with the higher sweetness and ABV. In fact, there’s relatively little indication of the high ABV except for a fairly well-disguised warming that only emerges from underneath the bitterness well towards the end of the pint. Very much an old-school post-haze craze WC DIPA. (15/20)
This will be my 5,349th unique Untappd check-in.
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
Jesus. After that, I need a beer…
