Score: 81/100 – Very Good
From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 06/10/20 – making this three weeks old.
The beer comes straight from the brewery and was acquired through a friend. The heavy Quebec IPA breview streak continues with relatively high expectations for HYPA VII.
Appearance 6/6
The beer pours an opaque pale gold with 4.5cm of moderately dense, creamy, white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 3+ minutes. Great lacing with good head retention. Solid looks.
Aroma 20/24
Strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is deep – almost perfumy – and hoppy with an American hop character.
Bold citrus notes (grapefruit + tangerines) lead the way while mild woody character and herbaceous spice take a backseat. Moderate tropical fruit (pineapple + papaya) provides sweetness. A hint of toasted cereal grain at the back.
The dry nose is grainy-crackery with a hint of citrus.
Flavour 32/40
Follows the aroma with strong intensity, sharp-ish balance, and pronounced perceived bitterness.
The palate opens up with significant minerality and bright citrus fruit making way for a zestful center featuring vibrant citrus, mild pine, soft tropical fruit, and high minerals.
The medium-length finish is strong and sharp-ish with notes of marked citrus, moderate salt, mild grass, and low grainy-crackery malt.
Mouthfeel 8/10
Medium body with lively carbonation. The mouthfeel is quite creamy yet crisp with a slightly drying aspect to it. Restrained alcohol warming with a dry finish. Moderate hop-derived astringency creates an edge.
Overall 15/20
Brasserie du Bas-Canada’s HYPA VII is an above average brew.
A worthy appearance connects to a fabulous hop aroma which doesn’t quite come through on the palate. The high minerality provides a salty edge which takes away from the enjoyment of this beer. It’s apparent in the mouthfeel as well where noticeable astringency from the hops paired with the salt leaves my palate exhausted.
Still, HYPA VII is a very good beer, but it can certainly be better. I think the world of beer has lost its sense for brewing salts in a race to create the juiciest, haziest IPA in town. What’s next? – you ask, more hazy IPA’s!
Beerfection | Craft Beer Reviews | Montreal, Canada 