Beerfection

Tag: Beer Review

  • Machina | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

    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!
  • Hypa X | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

    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!
  • 1848 Imperial Russian Stout | Brasserie Artisanale Albion

    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!
  • Evolution D.T.C | Wood Brothers Brewing Co.

    Evolution D.T.C | Wood Brothers Brewing Co.

    Score: 71/100 – Average

    From a 473ml can served cool at 7 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 2022-06-09 – making this over 4 weeks old. I got the can from a friend who sourced it directly from the brewery.

    Another Wood Brothers review – fingers crossed this one stands out as their Double Dream Vol.02 was surprisingly average.

    Appearance 4/6

    The beer pours an opaque gold with 2.5cm of puffy, thin-ish, off-white head which dissipates into a partial film within 1+ minutes. Poor lacing with fair head retention. Good but not great.

    Aroma 18/24

    Medium-strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is pungent, dank, and citrus-forward.

    Pronounced dankness with vegetal tones and moderate cannabis character along with prominent sweet oranges. Notable pine and a mild anise spiciness. Ample tropical fruit mostly reminiscent of ripe mango as well as mild grassiness.

    The dry nose is a bit yeasty with nuanced fruit and a hint of water crackers. Quite complex yet not complete.

    Flavour 26/40

    Strong intensity with good balance and pronounced perceived bitterness.

    The intense palate opens up with salted citrus and big tropical fruit (mango) sweetness along with mild woodiness and spice (anise) making way for a sharp center with notes of anise, pine, lime juice, mango, grass, minerals, and low cereal grain.

    The medium-length finish is strong and bitter with notes of citrus rind, salt, pine, grass, and a spicy edge. This is rough.

    Mouthfeel 8/10

    Full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is quite thick with good creaminess and a slight crispness. Restrained alcohol warming and an off-dry finish. Medium-low hop-derived astringency with mild harshness on the palate. Good but not great.

    Overall 15/20

    Wood Brothers Brewing’s Evolution D.T.C is an average hazy DIPA.

    The appearance is lacking in the foam characteristics with thin-ish structure and so so retention. Any clarity would improve the looks but unfortunately it’s not really part of the style. Aroma-wise the beer has some intriguing layers and moderate off-kilter vibes but it doesn’t captivate my senses. I wish there was just a bit more oomph for the nose. On the palate, the flavour amps up but without restraint; flirting with harshness. Finally, the mouthfeel has pleasant creamy weight to it, but noticeable hop burn chimes in and hinders the drinkability while leaving the palate saturated and unprepared for another sip.

    I really want to like this, but at this price point I want an exceptional beer and unfortunately Evolution D.T.C doesn’t fit that bill. Maybe this is all due to a month in can… maybe not.

    I suppose this a reminder for myself that I’m just not onboard with the trendy IPAs as I often find them harsh, overdone, and lacking in value. I need to check myself before stocking up on them. Having said that, I know there are some truly exceptional brews to be had within the style. And truthfully, they’re incredibly difficult to find.

    OMG, read another breview!
  • Double Dream Vol.2 | Wood Brothers Brewing Co.

    Double Dream Vol.2 | Wood Brothers Brewing Co.

    Score: 62/100 – Not Recommended

    From a 473ml can served cool at 7 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 2022-06-02 – making this just over 4 weeks old. I received the can from a friend who got it directly from the brewery.

    This might be my first official Wood Brothers review even though I’ve enjoyed their beers before. I’m excited to add these guys to the ongoing breview list.

    Appearance 2/6

    The beer pours a murky, opaque, greenish-orange with 1cm of frothy, light tan head which dissipates into a partial film within 1+ minutes. Great lacing with fair head retention. At least there are no chunks!

    Aroma 12/24

    Medium intensity with good balance. The aroma is fruit-forward and rather muted.

    Notes of pungent tropical fruit and citrus (lime + grapefruit) with a hint of grass and noticeable alcohol. A touch of melon and mild cereal grain at the back. I guess there’s some woodsy (pine) tones as well.

    The dry nose is light and citrusy with mild graininess at the back. I’m surprised how little character leaps out of the glass.

    Flavour 28/40

    Strong intensity with decent balance and pronounced perceived bitterness.

    The intense palate opens up with loads of citrus, a dash of salt, and noticeable alcohol. The center remains citrusy (lime + grapefruit + tangerines), somewhat woody (pine), and boozy while adding low tones of tropical fruit and mild supportive grain.

    The long finish is strong and bitter-ish with notes of grapefruit zest, pine, low lime, alcohol, and mild cereal grain.

    Mouthfeel 8/10

    Full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is thick and creamy with restrained alcohol warming and a medium-dry finish. Low hop-derived astringency with no actual harshness on the palate.

    Overall 12/20

    Wood Brothers Brewing Co’s Double Dream Vol.02 is an average hazy DIPA.

    First of all, the appearance is unappealing; the beer is murky, lacking in foam, and has an ugly green shade to it. The aroma fails to live up to expectations with surprisingly restrained character. Every now and then I come by a brew that forces me to stop trusting my senses. I have to go and smell a whole bunch of other things just to make sure something didn’t happen to my sense of smell. After pillows, candles, hands, lipbalm, lime water, and armpits, I decided that my smell is fine, it’s the beer that’s lacking. Unfortunately, the palate is not a whole lot better… it’s kind of rustic, limited in depth, and showing the alcohol too much. At least the mouthfeel is good – even if it doesn’t get full marks due to finishing slightly sweet and having a bit of edgy astringency to it.

    Honestly, I’m very surprised how flat this beer falls. Just the other day I had an outstanding IPA from Wood Brothers with a May date on it. It’s hard to say what happened here, but it seems like the beer simply didn’t stand up against age. It’s worth noting that typically I wouldn’t write about a hoppy beer after a month from canning but I thought this time could be different.

    Nevertheless, this doesn’t change much about the way I feel for these talented brewers. Wood Brothers remains a relevant voice in the Canadian craft beer scene and I’m looking forward to my next pint by them.

    OMG, read another breview!
  • Solstice d’Hiver | Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!

    Solstice d’Hiver | Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!

    Score: 97/100 – World-Class

    From a 341ml bottle served warm at 18 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Bottled on 2021-12-02 – taking this right up to the 6 month mark in age.

    I picked up a whole bunch of these from a local grocery store due to an enticing sale… pretty much the only beer I’ve been drinking for the last two weeks. I rummaged through my breview list and discovered I haven’t written about this so here it goes.

    Appearance 6/6

    The beer pours a brilliant deep copper with 5cm of creamy, dense, tan head which dissipates into a solid cap within 4+ minutes. Exceptional lacing with great head retention – especially for the style. This is as beautiful as any beer will ever get.

    Aroma 23/24

    Strong intensity with great balance. The powerful aroma is perfumy as it is deep.

    Strong malt presence of toasted bread, mild caramel, and even biscuit. Mild butterscotch note with significant dried fruit (figs) and a bit of orange marmalade. Low resinous pine with perfumy alcohol and mild herbaceous characteristics.

    The dry nose is malty-sweet with notes of caramel, dried fruit, toasted bread, and mild herbs. Tremendous complexity.

    Flavour 39/40

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

    The daring palate opens up with notes of candied fruit, alcohol, and butterscotch making way for a fierce center where the initially sweet palate is pierced with resinous pine, ample booze, herbaceous tones, and grapefruit peel.

    The long finish is strong and balanced with notes of pine, mild caramel, toasted bread, grapefruit peel, herbaceous tones, and alcohol.

    Mouthfeel 10/10

    Medium-full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is round, slick, and mouth-coating with notable alcohol warming and a medium-sweet finish. No astringency or harshness even though this beer has a high impact on the palate.

    Overall 19/20

    Dieu du Ciel’s Solstice d’Hiver is a world-class barleywine.

    Extraordinarily attractive appearance and an impressive aroma lead into a muscular palate with striking flavour depth and an impactful mouthfeel. This is a sledgehammer of a beer and not for the faint of heart. There are no obvious oxidized characteristics which I find very surprising after 6 months of age. My intuition tells me this would develop exceptionally well over the years.

    DDC’s Solstice d’Hiver is an all around awesome beer easily competing with the best in the category. The only thing it’s missing is a certain wow-factor, which is covered when you toss it in bourbon barrels. A must-try. Superb work by the brewing team.

    OMG, read another breview!
  • HYPA VII | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

    HYPA VII | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

    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!

    OMG, read another breview!
  • HYPA VIII | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

    HYPA VIII | Brasserie du Bas-Canada

    Score: 85/100 – Very Good

    From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 06/10/20 – making this just short of three weeks old.

    The beer comes straight from the brewery and was acquired through a friend. I’m continuing on a heavy Quebec IPA breview streak with high expectations for HYPA VIII.

    Appearance 6/6

    The beer pours an opaque pale gold with 4.5cm of moderately dense, creamy, white head which dissipates into a solid cap within 3+ minutes. Exceptional lacing with good head retention. Looks like juice.

    Aroma 21/24

    Strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is decidedly hoppy with an American hop character.

    Pronounced citrus (blood orange) pairs with lemongrass and milder tropical (ripe pineapple) notes. Low spicy, herbaceous character at the back with a touch of toasted cereal grain.

    The dry nose is very citrusy with an underlying grainy-crackery malt.

    Flavour 33/40

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

    The palate opens up bright with notes of tangerines, lemongrass, and minerals making way for a flavourful center where the citrus and grass keep dominating while a sweet tropical fruit character rounds out the saltiness of the minerals. A dash of herbs and spice for complexity.

    The long finish is strong and bitter-ish with notes of lemongrass, tangerines, minerals, and low crackery malt.

    Mouthfeel 9/10

    Medium body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is quite creamy and round with mild tingling on the palate. Restrained alcohol warming and an off-dry finish. Mild hop-derived astringency with no major harshness on the palate.

    Overall 16/20

    Brasserie du Bas-Canada’s HYPA VIII is an above average beer.

    Solid appearance and punchy, inviting aroma set the flavour expectations high. The palate is quite gratifying, but I find the minerals are adjusted too high for my taste and I’m left yearning for less of a salty edge. The mouthfeel is pleasant but some hop burn is introduced as the beer warms.

    Having said that, the overall drinking experience is great and I’d gladly drink this again. I casually recommend HYPA VIII to any hop lovers as it really is a very good beer. My expectations for the brewery are very high and I feel like this didn’t quite reach the status of Neron. Next up? More Quebec hazy IPA’s.

    OMG, read another breview!