Score: 83/100 – Very Good
From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 20.12.2022 – making this over six weeks old. I picked up the can two days ago from a local specialty shop.
This was a new shipment so I’m surprised to find out about the canning date. I suppose a triple IPA should hold up for up to two months considering the strength, but I’m a bit concerned how time has impacted this beer. I also discovered this beer was on my wishlist which is always exciting to narrow down.
My expectations for #Gatineau is Trending are very high.
Appearance 6/6
The beer pours an opaque gold with 4.5cm of moderately dense, somewhat creamy, off-white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 3+ minutes. Great lacing with good head retention.
Aroma 21/24
Medium-strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is fragrant and fruity with a mild edginess.
Pronounced tropical fruit (mango) and citrus (grapefruit) take the lead. Milder stone fruit (peaches) and a trace of melon add layers while low crackery malt plays a supportive role. Mild perfumy alcohol and very little woody-herbaceous tones. Tiny bit of anise at the back.
The dry nose is strong and perfumy with notes of citrus, grass, floral, sweat, and mild crackery malt.
Flavour 35/40
Strong intensity with good balance and assertive perceived bitterness.
The intense palate opens up juicy with notes of citrus (grapefruit), tropical fruit (mango), stone fruit (peach), alcohol (floral), and salt. The center gets edgy with prominent citrus/stone/tropical fruit notes and noticeable alcohol. Mild grassiness kicks in while an anise spice intensifies and some aspirin character manages to come through.
The long finish is strong and bitter-ish with significant grapefruit oil vibe, resinous pine, alcohol, aspirin, and low crackery malt.
Mouthfeel 6/10
Full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is creamy, mouth-coating, and prickly with restrained alcohol warming and a medium-dry finish. Moderate hop-derived astringency with some harshness on the palate.
Overall 15/20
Bas-Canada’s #Gatineau is Trending is an above average beer.
The looks are good for an opaque beer. Considering the high alcohol level, the foam attributes are really, really good. The aroma is inviting and layered but it lacks the punch I expect from a triple IPA. The flavour does kick up the depth by a notch, but it has some harsh qualities to it. The mouthfeel unfortunately ends up diminishing drinkability with a combination of hop-derived astringency, alcohol, and bitterness.
Overall, #Gatineau Is Trending might be a beer worth trying. It doesn’t really offer anything outside of the usual hazy IPAs, but as far as TIPAs go, it does a good job delivering a hefty, juicy, hop-focused beer while keeping the alcohol and sweetness in check.
I personally don’t find enough value in it to make it part of my regular rotation. Your mileage may differ 😉 Next up? A maltiboi from Boréale.
Beerfection | Craft Beer Reviews | Montreal, Canada 