Espèce | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

Score: 87/100 – Very Good

From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 13/01/2023 – making this just over a week young.

I picked up the can from a local specialty store a few days ago along with a handful of other trendy IPAs.

Another Bas-Canada hazy IPA added to the list. I’ve had this beer once before and I really liked it. Truth be told, when I picked up the can, I forgot about my previous date with Espèce. At least now we get to have an in-depth look at it.

Appearance 4/6

The beer pours a murky pale gold (greenish tint) with 4cm of dense, creamy, off-white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 4+ minutes. Exceptional lacing with great head retention. I don’t love the hue and the degree of opaqueness.

Aroma 24/24

Strong intensity with great balance. The aroma is punchy and powerfully hop-forward.

Big ripe tropical fruit (mango) and citrus (grapefruit) character lead the way. Woody pine, mild herbs, and noticeable aniseed quality add layers and help with balance. Mild crackery malt rounds out any edges.

The dry nose is strong and hoppy with notes of citrus, pine, grain, a hint of spice (aniseed), and mild sweaty tones.

Flavour 35/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, great balance, and pronounced perceived bitterness.

The vibrant palate opens up with salted citrus rind and juicy mango sweetness – making way for a sharper center where woody pine and mild herbal/grassy tones along with mild aniseed spice join the tropical-citrusy vibes. A pinch of salt and very low crackery malt at the back.

The long finish is strong and sharp-ish with notes of grapefruit pith, mild grass, a bit of pine, aniseed, aspirin, and low crackery malt.

Mouthfeel 8/10

Full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp yet creamy and mouth-coating with restrained alcohol warming and a medium-dry finish. There’s a moderate hop-derived astringency but it still misses the mark of turning acrid on the palate.

Overall 16/20

Brasserie Bas-Canada’s Espèce is a great hazy DIPA.

The appearance is not my favourite; it has that milky quality and a green-ish tint that just doesn’t sit right with me. Outstanding foam quality. Superb aroma – tremendously vibrant with intense fruitiness. The palate follows with massive character but it fails to reach perfection. There’s too much salt, shades of crushed aspirin, and grassy tones that take away from the drinking experience. The mouthfeel starts off rich and creamy, packing quite a bit of impact. However, with gained temperature, the astringency bumps up and diminishes drinkability too much.

Overall, Bas-Canada’s Espèce is a beer worth trying if you’re into hazy IPAs. The sheer amount of hop-flavour is commendable, but the beer lacks finesse and drinkability and is certainly not part of the brewery’s best.

OMG, read another breview!

Super Koko | BreWskey

Score: 97/100 – World-Class

From a 473ml can served warm at 18 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 07/12/2022 – making this around six weeks old.

I picked up the beer straight from the brewery a few days after the release date. I had a small sample of it in the taproom and found it absolutely delightful.

The last stout I reviewed by BreWskey was their Rupture – a world-class pastry stout. Therefore, my expectations for Super Koko are very high.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours a clear black (opaque in glass) with 3 cm of frothy, moderately dense, brown head which dissipates into a partial film within 2+ minutes. No lacing with decent head retention.

Aroma 24/24

Strong intensity with sweet balance. The aroma is lavish, dark, and dessert-like.

Incredibly rich chocolate milk character paired with coconut, caramel, and vanilla dominate the nose. Mild alcohol cuts through the sweetness while low black licorice note helps ground the aroma. There’s also a deep nuttiness beneath the surface.

The dry nose is rich, deep, and sweet with notes of caramel, coconut, chocolate, nuts, and vanilla.

Flavour (38/40)

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, sweet balance, and assertive perceived bitterness.

The luxurious palate opens up salty-sweet with a mix of raw sugar, coconut, caramel, black licorice, and booze. The center remains plush and heavy with the sweet character of caramel, chocolate, coconut, and vanilla being pierced by alcohol and moderate black licorice spice. A candied nut character appears fashionably late, right at the tail end of the center.

The long finish is strong and quite balanced with notes of raw sugar, chocolate, dark caramel, black licorice, coconut, and a wisp of smoke. A succulent mofo this one.

Mouthfeel 9/10

Full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is heavy, round, and chewy with significant alcohol warming and a luscious finish. No astringency or harshness on the palate but the alcohol is getting dangerously close to hot.

Overall 20/20

BreWskey’s Super Koko is a world-class pastry stout.

Solid appearance even if I’ve seen heavy stouts with tighter bubbles and better head retention compared to this. Sweet and glamorous aroma urges you to have a sip. On the palate, the beer slaps you with flavour reminiscent of a boozy chocolate milk topped with coconut and caramel. But there’s a surprise – significant salty character of black licorice, nuttiness, and an umami richness add depth while aiding with balance. The mouthfeel is almost velvety-smooth with a round, chewy, mouth-coating quality. However, when warm, the beer does show it’s heavy alcohol content which is pushing to the territory of being hot. It still works here considering the level of residual sugar in the beer.

Overall, I love BreWskey’s Super Koko – it delivers a wonderful drinking (sipping) experience without going overboard in any of its elements. It’s an extreme beer and I guarantee some people will find it too sweet. Yet, within heavy pastry stouts, Super Koko shines.

BreWskey has really nailed the base recipe which is almost guaranteed to stand out in any of their different iterations of it. I highly recommend trying the brewery’s imperial stouts – they’re truly exceptional.

OMG, read another breview!

Captain Swing | Microbrasserie Hopfenstark

Score: 94/100 – Outstanding

From a 473ml can served warm at 18 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 15 11 2022 – making this two months old.

I picked up the can recently from a local specialty store after having originally grabbed one sometime early December 2022 in order to write about this beer. The details are blurry, but I ended up enjoying Captain Swing without deeply assessing it. A handful of weeks later, I knew I had to say something… because it stands out.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours a clear copper with 5cm of moderately dense, frothy, tan head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 3+ minutes. Good lacing and head retention. A great looking brew.

Aroma 22/24

Strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is malty, perfumy, and enticing.

Pleasant floral tones and perfumy alcohol provide a counterpoint to significant earthy-woody hops. Deep malt character of bread crust, biscuit, caramel, and mild nuts forms the center while gentle dried fruit, butterscotch, and orange marmalade add colour. There’s a pleasant tea-like quality and barely any perceptible oxidation. At times, the alcohol can have a slightly solventy note.

The dry nose is strong and pleasant with notes of toasted bread, mild hay, low woody-earthy hops, and a touch of butterscotch.

Flavour 38/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, great balance, and assertive perceived bitterness.

The strong palate opens up floral and tea-like with notable caramel-sweetness and boozy dried fruit making way for a toasty-bready center also loaded with floral tones, perfumy alcohol, mild herbs, firm woodiness, caramel, and mild citrus.

The long finish is strong and balanced with notes of dried fruit, toasted bread, orange marmalade, caramel, herbaceous-woody hops, earth, and alcohol.

Mouthfeel 10/10

Medium-full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is smooth, mouth-coating, and round with noticeable alcohol warming and a medium-sweet finish. No astringency or harshness on the palate even though the impact is heavy.

Overall 18/20

Microbrasserie Hopfenstark’s Captain Swing is an outstanding barleywine.

Great appearance sets the stage for an incredibly English aroma with significant hop-contribution. The flavour follows with loads of character and smashing balance while the mouthfeel compliments sippability with smooth yet heavy texture.

Overall, Hopfenstark’s Captain Swing is a beer worth seeking out. It’s loaded with character, balance, and perspective. I’m only missing a certain wow-factor which would truly place it in the top 1%. If you find a can, don’t hesitate picking it up. Barleywine is life.

OMG, read another breview!

Machina | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

Score: 88/100 – Great

From a 473ml can served cool at 8 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 22/12/22 – making this about two weeks young.

This can comes from a local specialty store which I picked up just a few days ago. I’m always happy to review Bas-Canada’s beers even if I’ve been trying to move away from trendy IPAs. My expectations are high – no surprise given the brewery.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours an opaque gold with 4cm of dense, creamy, off-white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 5+ minutes. Exceptional lacing and head retention. I miss clear beer.

Aroma 22/24

Strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is intensily hoppy featuring a New World flair.

Sharp citrus (grapefruit + lime) and significant pungency (tropical and vegetal at the same time) dominate the nose. Notable pine and mild aniseed spice add layers. Mild mango sweetness and very low crackery malt at the back. A hint of perfumy alcohol and some floral tones.

The dry nose is strong and hop-forward with citrus, catty notes, and mild vegetal tones (hmm…).

Flavour 36/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, sharp-ish balance, and pronounced perceived bitterness.

The juicy palate opens up with ripe mango sweetness and significant grapefruit and tangerine character with a sprinkle of salt. The center remains juicy and citrus-focused but it also takes on a lot more woody pine, indistinct herbs, and aniseed spice. Mild alcohol note, low grassiness, and crackery malt remain in the sidelines.

The long finish is strong and sharp-ish with notes of grapefruit peel, pine, mild grass, low aniseed, and a little bit of crackery malt.

Mouthfeel 8/10

Full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is creamy yet crisp with a mouth-coating quality and mild sharpness. The alcohol warming is restrained and the finish is off-dry. Mild hop-derived astringency. Overall no harsh qualities on the palate but the beer has an edge.

Overall 16/20

Bas-Canada’s Machina is a great beer.

The appearance is very good (ya know, for a hazyboi) with exceptional foam attributes. Once the beer warms a bit, a pungent aroma filled with New World hop character leaps out of the glass. The palate follows with intense hop-flavour and somewhat sharp characteristics. Mouthfeel-wise, this lacks the soft, plushy vibe that all of the brewery’s best IPAs have. There’s significant viscosity and only a mild astringency – yet, my palate is overwhelmed and the drinkability ends up lacking. Maybe it’s the hop selection, maybe it’s something else.

In any case, Bas-Canada’s Machina is a hazy DIPA worth trying. Given my preference for high value beer – I probably wouldn’t buy more of this given the high price. For the first-timers and people with enough disposable income, don’t hesitate.

Shit, I just realized BreWskey’s Cepage Argentin was supposed to be the next breview on my list! Well, that’s next.

OMG, read another breview!

Corne de Glace | À l’abri de la Tempête

Score: 80/100 – Very Good

From a 341ml bottle served warm at 14 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Best before date of 20.04.2024 with 211118 listed afterwards. Does that mean this was packaged about a year ago? I don’t know.

I picked up this beer about a week back from a local specialty shop. You know I can’t walk away from a 14% sledgehammer even if I wanted to.

I believe this is my first review from À l’abri de la Tempête. In the past, I’ve had a few heavier beers by them that I remember really enjoying. Nothing as heavy as this mammoth. Let’s pop that cap!

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours a brilliant deep copper with 5cm of dense, creamy, beige head which dissipates into a solid cap within 4+ minutes. Poor lacing with great head retention – exceptional if you consider the hefty ABV. A beauty.

Aroma 20/24

Medium-strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is unique, peculiar, and punchy.

Pronounced banana esters and perfumy alcohol compete with milder tarry character and peat smoke. Significant leather seems to tie everything together along with mild caramel sweetness. Low jammy dark fruit and gentle herbal tones at the back.

The dry nose is characterful with notes of leather, herbs, alcohol, bread crust, and marmite. Really, really interesting… but also slightly jarring.

Flavour 30/40

Strong intensity with sharp balance and assertive perceived bitterness.

The intense palate opens up with sweet and umami vibes featuring notes of jammy dried fruit, significant leather + marmite, loads of alcohol, and bread crust.

The center is sharp and bitter where the bread crust malt along with leather (oxidation) act as an anchor while peat smoke, herbs, and alcohol shave off most sweetness. A hint of dark fruit and burnt sugar persist.

The long finish is sharp and strong with notes of banana, alcohol, leather, marmite, herbs, bread crust, peat smoke, and tar. How atypical!

Mouthfeel 6/10

Medium body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is slick and somewhat sharp with hot alcohol warming and a medium-sweet finish. No apparent astringency but the mouthfeel leans towards harsh.

Overall 18/20

À l’abri de la Tempête’s Corne de Glace is an interesting beer, landing outside of the bell curve.

Impressive appearance – absolutely beautiful with wonderful clarity and great foam attributes. The aroma has an air of mystery while packing some serious punch – especially as the beer approaches room temperature. The flavour just slams your senses; sharp and heavy yet lacking depth of character. Some of the intricacies of the nose are lost on the palate. I believe this is mostly due to the mouthfeel which remains short of acrid but the alcohol heat washes over any nuance in flavour.

Overall, Corne de Glace is a unique beer worth trying. Even if the score reflects an averege brew, this is far from it. It’s almost as if a barleywine, off-kilter scotch ale, and a dunkelweizen had a baby. The weight and malt of a barleywine paired with smoke and herbs topped with banana and dark fruit esters.

This strikes me as a great digestif; a few ounces in a small glass after a meal. I truly believe this has a place in the world of beer as something outside of the box, delivering a unique drinking experience.

If you’re ready for an atypical sipper, then grab yourself a bottle. This should easily take more than an hour of contemplation which is money well-spent for me.

P.S. After 90 minutes of deliberation, I’ve bumped the score up to 80 points (from 76).

OMG, read another breview!

Canal Fatal | Messorem Bracitorium

Score: 84/100 – Very Good

From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 15/09/22 – making this two weeks young.

I picked up the can a week ago from a local specialty shop. Second official Messorem breview. Another hazy IPA. An exciting break from heavy stouts.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours an opaque pale gold with 4.5cm of frothy, creamy, off-white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 3+ minutes. Good lacing and head retention. Good looks for a hazy IPA.

Aroma 21/24

Medium-strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is inviting, rustic, and supremely fruity.

Zesty grapefruit and tangeries dominate with mild tropical fruit sweetness at the back. Low pine and a hint of cereal grain.

The dry nose is quite mild with citrusy notes, significant grainy-crackery malt character, and a hint of sweat.

Flavour 34/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, sharp-ish balance, and pronounced perceived bitterness.

The brisk palate opens up with loads of citrus (grapefruit + tangerines), salt, mild pine, and a touch of herbs. The center remains consistent with salted citrus, woody tones, and indistinct herbs.

The medium-length finish is strong and sharp-ish with notes of pine, grapefruit, herbs, and crackery malt. Rustic.

Mouthfeel 9/10

Medium body with lively carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp and somewhat prickly with low creaminess. No apparent alcohol warming and a dry finish. Mild hop-derived astringency with no actual harshness on the palate.

Overall 14/20

Messorem Bracitorium’s Canal Fatal is a very good beer.

Appealing looks and a rustic yet deep hop-forward aroma. I wish the nose presented more layers and charm but I respect the clarity and depth. On the palate the beer is consistent, delivering enjoyable flavour and steering clear from any off-notes. The mouthfeel is missing a little bit of weight and the finish is surprisingly dry. Once that’s paired with mild astringency, I feel like the mouthfeel is lacking a degree of finesse.

Overall Canal Fatal is a well-made brew but I have a hard time justifying the cost knowing I can find another IPA for half the price and an equally enjoyable drinking experience. This is not necessarily the brewery’s fault. These days, with such high hopping rates, the cost of making these beers is certainly a factor.

For a value-driven fellow, I must always ask myself: “will it be worth the money?” In this case, I can’t say it is. If money is not a consideration, then by all means get yourself a 4-pack.

OMG, read another breview!

Hypa X | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

Score: 83/100 – Very Good

From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 25.08.2022 – making this around 4 weeks old.

I picked up the beer over a week ago from a local specialty store along with many other Bas-Canada IPAs. Recently I’ve had a few misses with the brewery so I’m curious if my expectations for the brewery are met this time around. It’s been a long time since I had a rendition of HYPA so let’s get to it.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours an opaque pale gold with 5cm of frothy, creamy, off-white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 3+ minutes. Exceptional lacing with good head retention.

Aroma 23/24

Strong intensity with good balance. Exceptional nose; aromatic and characterful.

Pungent, ripe tropical fruit (mango + papaya) pairs well with zesty citrus (grapefruit + lime + tangerines). Moderate woody pine and mild anise-like spice add layers while low crackery malt ties everything together.

The dry nose is strong and citrusy with mild grainy-tropical sweetness at the back.

Flavour 34/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, decent balance, and moderate perceived bitterness.

The somewhat sharp palate opens up with juicy tones as well as salted citrus (grapefruit + tangerines), pine, and grass making way for an edgy center featuring notes of citrus, pine, grass, and spice along with a hint of crackery malt.

The long finish is strong and sharp with notes of pine, citrus, grass, minerals, spice (anise), and mild crackery malt.

Mouthfeel 6/10

Medium body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp, slightly chalky, and mouth-coating with restrained warming sensation and a dry finish. Moderate hop-derived astringency – too much – the beer is harsh.

Overall 14/20

Brasserie du Bas-Canada’s HYPA X is a very good beer.

Nice looks for a hazyboi; good head attributes and juice-like appearance with no chunks in the glass. Outstanding aroma featuring classic New World hop characteristics – only missing a wow-factor that defines a true world-class example. On the palate, however, the beer lacks the balance and beauty of the aroma. The flavour is rather edgy and coloured by acrid hop-characteristics typical of DDH IPAs. Which brings me to the most problematic part of this beer: the mouthfeel. The hop-derived astringency (hop-burn) is simply too much. That, combined with marked minerally saltiness and a chalky quality diminishes the overall drinking experience. A classic issue with the style which is quickly becoming my main reason for not picking up these cans.

Most trendy IPAs are expensive and they simply don’t deliver enough value for me. That’s the case with HYPA X – it stands out in some aspects, yet fails to meet my expectations for Bas-Canada as one of the best in the domain of Canadian hazy IPAs. It seems like the circle is complete again – I think I need to step away from the trendy stuff and start focusing on the classics as well as the less known beers/breweries.

OMG, read another breview!

Kamarad Friedrich | Microbrasserie Hopfenstark

Score: 97/100 – World-Class

From a 355ml can served warm at 18 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 26/01/2021 – making this 8 months old.

I picked up this can about a month back from a local specialty store. While picking up a bottle of Albion’s 1848 RIS, the clerk insisted I try this as well. Sure, twist my rubber arm. What I didn’t realize is how old the can was.

First official Hopfenstark breview so hard to say where my expectations are if we discount what other people say about this beer.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours an opaque black (oil-like) with 3.5cm of moussy, creamy, dark brown head which dissipates into a partial film within 3+ minutes. Great lacing with good head retention. A great looking imperial stout.

Aroma 23/24

Strong intensity with sharp-ish balance. The aroma is deep and dark malt-focused with considerable complexity.

Rich dark malt notes of burnt sugar, black licorice, chocolate, and coffee are accompanied by perfumy alcohol and moderate woody hops. Dark fruit esters at the back with pruny, scorched dried fruit characteristics. A wisp of smoke and low dark caramel. Restrained oxidation with mild leathery, meaty tones.

The dry nose is rich with notes of caramel, roasty coffee, soy sauce, and mild leather.

Flavour 39/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, good balance, and aggressive perceived bitterness.

The extreme palate opens up with notes of black licorice, burnt sugar/dark caramel, woody hops, and a splash of alcohol. The center is robust and exciting with the initial sweetness subsiding while black licorice, woodsy tones (pine + tobacco), alcohol, earthy coffee, wood char, and dark fruit contend for attention.

The long finish is strong and bitter with notes of black licorice, burnt sugar, woody hops, prunes, burnt toast, alcohol, and a wisp of smoke.

Mouthfeel 10/10

Medium-full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is heavy, somewhat oily, and mouth-coating with noticeable alcohol warming and a medium-sweet finish. Very low astringency with no actual harshness on the palate even though the impact is heavy.

Overall 19/20

Hopfenstark’s Kamarad Friedrich is a world-class Russian imperial stout.

Enticing appearance; top-notch looks for the style. The aroma lives up to any hype and delivers a delightfully deep look at dark malts, woody hops, and restrained oxidation. Based on the aroma alone, I’d never think this was canned back in January (being in September now). Seamlessly, the flavour follows delivering an outstanding punch in the mouth featuring a marriage of ingredients which is peppered with age. The mouthfeel has a heavy impact on the palate, but it doesn’t cross over to harsh effectively steering clear of any acrid qualities.

I’m impressed. Hopfenstark’s Kamarad Friedrich delivers everything I look for in a classic Russian imperial stout: an unpretentious sipper with significant weight and character. On top of that, it has stood the test of time by showing only mild oxidation which adds a pleasant layer to the overall drinking experience. Wow.

Seems to me like Hopfenstark deserves more space in the upcoming breview schedule. Highly recommended and a must-try for the style fans.

OMG, read another breview!

1848 Imperial Russian Stout | Brasserie Artisanale Albion

Score: 100/100 – World-Class

From a 500ml bottle served warm at 15 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. No date information on the packaging.

I picked up this beer a few weeks back, only to pass it off to a friend. Since I was excited to try this, I went ahead and picked up another bottle from a local specialty store. Both times the clerk asked me if I’ve had this beer. Obviously I haven’t… but I’m trying.

Here we are; with high expectations and excitement at hand. It’s been long due I write about a hefty stout such as this.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours a clear black with 4.5cm of dense, creamy, beige head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 4+ minutes. Exceptional lacing with great head retention – especially for a 10% ABV beer. Gorgeous!

Aroma 24/24

Strong intensity with great balance. The aroma is robust and clean expressing wonderful dark malt characteristics.

Rich roastiness and nostalgic campfire is rounded out by dark caramel and fruit (prunes). Deep dark chocolate tones along with mild nuttiness claim quite a bit of space while intriguing spicy notes of licorice and cola add layers. Heck, the spice seems to have a pinch of black pepper in it too. So much complexity, I’m also noting coffee, burnt toast, and a low meaty character.

The dry nose is characterful with notes of chocolate, burnt toast, caramel, mild earthy nuttiness, and a touch of roasted grain. Sublime.

Flavour 40/40

Follows the aroma with strong intensity, great balance, and very assertive perceived bitterness.

The marvellous palate opens up big and bold with notes of burnt sugar, alcohol-soaked dark fruit, dark caramel, and a mild savoury quality. The center kicks it up a notch with even more intensity, featuring notes of roasted barley, black licorice, charred wood, tobacco, dark chocolate, resinous pine, and eucalyptus.

The long finish is strong and bitter-ish with notes of roasted barley, dark chocolate, burnt sugar, woodsy tones, dark fruit, black licorice, and a wisp of smoke. Perfection.

Mouthfeel 10/10

Medium-full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is surprisingly smooth with some oiliness and slickness as well as noticeable alcohol warming and a sweet finish. No astringency or harshness on the palate.

Overall 20/20

Brasserie Artisanale Albion’s 1848 Imperial Russian Stout is a world-class RIS. I find it truly faultless with enough wow-factor to make it one of the best I remember drinking.

Impeccable appearance from clarity and colour to foam attributes. The aroma is phenomenal both in complexity and balance. On the palate the beer slams you with flavour while taking you on a journey with each of the steps being unique yet united. There’s a lovely smoothness to the mouthfeel even if the bitterness builds and the heat from alcohol is noticeable. While sweet, the beer doesn’t even touch being cloying.

Every now and then I’ll come by a beer that is perfect as is – delivering flavour, balance, drinkability, and intrigue. Albion’s 1848 is all of that. Yet, I consider this a humble brew. Far from pretentious, the beer simply presents itself quietly, stripped of excess while delivering an epic drinking experience.

I don’t know if you can tell, but this poison has made an impression. Absolutely get yourself a bottle if you can find it, I can’t recommend this highly enough.

OMG, read another breview!

Pissenlits Par La Racine | Messorem Bracitorium

Score: 96/100 – World-Class

From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 17-06-2022 – making this 7 weeks old. I picked up the can just a few days ago from a local specialty shop.

Typically I wouldn’t review an IPA after this many weeks from the canning line. I’m making an exception since I’m curious if Messorem produces a shelf-stable product.

This may be my first official Messorem breview – a brewery I’m pretty excited about. Regardless of the production date, my expectations are high.

Appearance 6/6

The beer pours an opaque gold with 4cm of dense, creamy, off-white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 4+ minutes. Great lacing and head retention.

Aroma 24/24

Strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is bright and layered with a grounding pungency.

Pronounced citrus (grapefruit + tangerines + a hint of lime) and lush, ripe tropical fruit (pineapple + papaya) at the forefront. Moderate coconut and cedar-like woodiness paired with mild perfumy alcohol add layers while low melon and supportive crackery malt along with a trace of vegetal dankness round out an incredibly complex and nuanced aroma.

The dry nose is mostly bready-citrusy with notes of bright lime, mild pine, and round, crackery malt. Beautiful.

Flavour 37/40

Strong intensity with good balance and moderate perceived bitterness.

The juicy palate opens up with pronounced citrus (grapefruit + tangerines + lime), stone fruit (peach), and mild woody pine making way for a sharper center where the citrus remains while stone fruit is being taken over by pine, a touch of anise, low herbs, and a supportive crackery malt.

The medium-length finish is balanced and of moderate strength with notes of grapefruit peel, pine, low coconut, a hint of grass, and low crackery malt. Delicious!

Mouthfeel 10/10

Medium-full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is creamy and mouth-coating with restrained alcohol warming and an off-dry finish. Very low hop-derived astringency with no harshness on the palate.

Overall 19/20

Messorem Bracitorium’s Pissenlits Par La Racine is a world class hazy IPA.

Classic hazyboi appearance with great foam attributes and no chunks whatsoever. The aroma is straight up delightful – it’s nuanced and layered yet full of character and a touch of intrigue. The palate follows dynamic, flavourful, and impactful. For the style, the mouthfeel is exceptional: there’s no apparent hop burn or overtly salty vibes. The beer’s crisp yet smooth with well-hidden alcohol character.

Messorem’s Pissenlits Par La Racine is a beer you need in your life… as long as you like hops. Wonderful craftsmanship and at the top of the Canadian IPA game. It looks like there will be more of Messorem breviews in my pipeline – this time it’ll be fresh and straight from the brewery.

OMG, read another breview!