There is a new style that is gaining momentum in B.C., and that would be the Brut IPA. There have been multiple attempts at the style thus far, but it continues to grow. This version is a collaboration between Ravens Brewing and Moody Ales. Let’s crack it open and see how they tackled the fledgeling beer style.
B.C. Beer Reviews: Ravens Brewing and Moody Ales – Brut IPA
Colour
Pours an extremely clear and extremely pale golden straw colour. In the glass, it is clear still, but much less so, and the same colour overall. There is no noticeable difference, and the SRM seems to match up with what is a relatively new style of beer.
Nose/Aroma
There is a very noticeable sweetness imparted by the malt/grain bill that is reminiscent of crackers. It is much like paler beers like lagers and Pilsners, and it points to the use of Pilsen malt as the base malt of this beer.
Aside from that, there is a sweet citrus note that accompanies the malts. It is very light in the aroma, and is quite honestly very hard to catch without taking in a few smells of this beer.
Tasting Notes
This is where the hops really come out. Where they lacked in the aromatics, they make up for it here. There are strong citrus and floral flavours coming at play here. These are reminiscent of light orange zest and floral components.
The malts play their role here, adding a very light sweetness without imparting any sort of body to the beer. This style is supposed to be very light on the palate, and this beer accomplishes that quite nicely.
Other Notes
The branding/labeling from this collaboration between Ravens Brewing and Moody Ales is quite simplistic. A pale label has the style of beer beneath flowers and the logos of the two breweries.
There is a very high level of carbonation to this beer. This is something that comes with the style, so stylistically it is spot on.
The head retention of this beer is unsurprisingly significant. This is, in large part, due to the high level of carbonation.
There is a light bit of lacing here and there on the glass, but nothing shocking.
Final Grade
This beer accomplishes the high carbonation, low bitterness, high hop flavour, but truly misses out on the hop aromatics. It is light, crisp and easy drinking overall. It is a good representation of the base levels of what this style dictates but is surely a stepping stone into a burgeoning beer style.
Grade: 7.0/10
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Main photo by Nic Hendrickson, Lastword Inc., all rights reserved