Beer: X IPA 1 – 36/50
Tasting Date: 1/4/2010
Appearance [max 5] : 3
Solid head that keeps its form, and slowly settles into a 1/4″ blanket on the surface that slowly gets consumed through the beer.
Deep copper color. Definitely darker than what I remember West Coast IPA would have. Going to need to do a side-by-side comparison (good thing I have another couple of bottles).
Aroma [max 10] : 8
The Centennial aroma on top of Cascade finishing on top of CTZ/Simcoe backbone is definitely a pleasing hop chord. With this hop schedule it’s feint but pleasantly floral, then piny, and even a bit summer fruity?
Palate [max 5] : 4
Medium to full body, rich creamy texture, soft carbonation, clean finish
Flavor [max 10] : 7
Nice duration, with a uniform flavor curve that works from the back of the throat towards the front and sides of the tongue, then finishing in back of the mouth with a nice, bitter. Absolutely love balance of sweet to bitter.
There’s a noticeable light tart finish. Similar to light lacto in the Boulevard brewing Saison-Brett. Not really what I want on the end of this beer. Will need to investigate the underlying cause of that. It’s definitely a subtle off flavor, so not too distracting from the otherwise very pleasant beer.
The caramels from the Carastan and Cara-pils on the two row are really tasty. I feel the malt and backbone is just a hair too much.
Overall [max 20] : 14
This is a very solid IPA. I’d like to turn up the aroma, reduce the mouthfeel (maybe OG just a touch too), and clean up the tart finish. Once those items are addressed, I can turn my attention to manipulating the IPA’s crowning feature … the hop aroma and flavor.
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