There has been a growing trend where breweries in B.C. are trying their hands at brewing a Belgian IPA. Some have hit the mark, and others not so much. B.C. Beer Reviews is here to see where Fernie Brewing falls in their attempt at making a Belgian inspired IPA. Let’s crack the can open and see what’s inside.

B.C. Beer Reviews: Fernie Brewing – Snowblind Belgian IPA

Colour

This beer pours a golden copper colour from the can. In the glass, this beer retains a deep copper colour that is close to being considered amber. The clarity is not perfect, but it is darn close enough.

Nose/Aroma

If you are someone who doesn’t drink Belgian beers all that often, you could miss out on the nice aromatic that makes this distinctly Belgian. There is a sweet bubblegum aromatic that is reminiscent of the small rectangular bubblegum like Bazooka Joe. It is strong, but not overpowering.

There is also a light touch of stone fruit like pear from the ester profile. There is really no noticeable phenolics in the nose of this beer.

Tasting Notes

You are presented by a balance of malty sweetness that is best categorized as bread crust with a light touch of caramel and the ester profile again. Once again, you get a soft and sweet ester profile that is pink bubblegum and pear. It is restrained enough to not be overbearing.

There is a light bitterness in the finish of this beer. This is undoubtedly from the hops used.

Other Notes

Fernie Brewing has revamped their branding, but kept it similar enough to not stray too far and cause brand confusion. The white label of this beer has snow covered mountains below an orange section with their name, the name of the beer and the style.

This beer pours a moderate head. In colour it is white and it is uniform. The retention is subpar, at best.

The carbonation of this beer is moderate as well. It is not enough to be crisp or biting, but noticeable.

Rundown

The esters and hop profile dominate this beer, with just a light touch of malty sweetness on your palate. It is distinctly Belgian without being unapproachable to non-Belgian beer lovers.

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Main photo by Nic Hendrickson, Lastword Inc., all rights reserved