Phillips Brewing Company Gorilla Mode Thunder Punch – American Double / Imperial IPA at 9.0% ABV (C$5.90 at Collective, 568 ml, best before 2-Apr-2025, acquired 31-Oct-2024, reviewed 8-Nov-2024)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one finger of fine pale ivory head diminishing gradually to a thin cap and spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, cereal grains, citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-soft carbonation, sticky mildly warming finish. (3/5)
Brewer notes say “featuring Alora, Motueka, and Eclipse hops”. Sure, why not? Overall this is pretty much what I was expecting for a brewery who in my experience (for n=59, μ=7 & σ=0.89) has raised mediocrity to an art form. That’s not to say they haven’t had some flashes of competence, but those are generally offset by some truly abysmal offerings. (To be fair, they don’t actually make the worst beer I’ve ever had… by half a point.) I’d lump these guys with e.g. Big Rock, as pseudo craft macro micro. About the only thing that distinguishes this one is that it drinks easily for the weight. I don’t hate it. I don’t love it. (14/20)
This will be my 6,001st unique Untappd check-in.
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
