Beerfection

Tag: NEIPA

  • Dragon Sap | Labrosse Brewery

    Dragon Sap | Labrosse Brewery

    Score: 67/100 – Not Recommended

    Appearance 3/6

    The beer pours an opaque pale gold with a moderately tall, thin-ish, off-white head. Decent foam retention. A decent looking brew.

    Aroma 19/24

    Strong intensity with balance towards hops. The aroma is fragrant, sharp, and pungent.

    An American hop character dominates the aroma. Moderate fruity esters, low pale malt, and a mild alcohol note. No significant off-notes. Good aroma.

    Flavour 28/40

    Strong intensity, balance towards hops, and pronounced perceived bitterness.

    The flavour is edgy with significant American hop character and hefty minerality. I taste salt and crushed aspirin. Low pale malt and no mentionable esters. Mild alcohol note. The flavour is lacking.

    Mouthfeel 6/10

    Medium body with high carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp, sharp, and somewhat thin with restrained alcohol warming and a dry finish. Moderate hop-derived astringency with some harshness on the palate.

    Overall 11/20

    Microbrasserie Labrosse’s Dragon Sap is an average hazy IPA.

    The aroma is punchy but the beer doesn’t deliver on the palate. It’s quite sharp both in flavour and mouthfeel, leading to mediocre drinkability. Perceived bitterness is rather high for a hazy IPA and the minerals take away from the overall flavour. Lots of hop-forward character but the beer is simply middle-of-the-road.

    OMG, read another breview!
  • Canal Fatal | Messorem Bracitorium

    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

    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!
  • Pissenlits Par La Racine | Messorem Bracitorium

    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!
  • Humulus Felidae | Noctem Artisans Brasseurs

    Humulus Felidae | Noctem Artisans Brasseurs

    Score: 88/100 – Very Good

    From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 20/10/20 – making this two weeks fresh.

    I picked up this beer from Brou Ha Ha just over a week ago. My first official Noctem breview – after having had a few of their IPA’s recently, my expectations are set above average.

    Appearance 6/6

    The beer pours a hazy pale gold with 3.5cm of moderately dense, frothy, white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 2+ minutes. Decent lacing and head retention.

    Aroma 20/24

    Medium-strong intensity with good balance. The aroma is layered, intriguing, and – of course – hop-forward.

    Pronounced citrus (lemon + sweet orange) and perfumy cedar take the lead with milder notes of candied papaya, coconut, and complementary herbs.

    The dry nose has a light fruity character with moderate grainy-crackery malt. A very interesting combo.

    Flavour 35/40

    Strong intensity with sharp-ish balance and pronounced perceived bitterness.

    The bright palate opens up with citrus (lemon), herbs, and minerals making way for a piquant center where notes of cedar, lemongrass, and herbs are rounded off by low tropical fruit sweetness (papaya + coconut) and a hint of toasted grain.

    The long finish is strong and sharp-ish with notes of zesty lemon, cedar, herbs, mild coconut oil, and low grainy malt. Fascinating.

    Mouthfeel 10/10

    Medium-light body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp and lively with low creaminess, restrained alcohol warming, and an off-dry finish. Very mild astringency with no actual harshness on the palate.

    Overall 17/20

    Noctem Artisans Brasseurs’ Humulus Felidae is an excellent IPA.

    Decent appearance with no distinguishable particles in the glass. Splitting hairs, the head could be more dense with better retention – but that’s almost trivial. Moving on, the palate fully expresses the unusual, enticing aroma with charming delight! Intriguing layers come together to form a distinctive flavour experience. For example: instead of pine, it’s cedar and instead of mango, it’s papaya. The herbs are offbeat and topped with coconut. A surprisingly light, clean mouthfeel contributes to a relatively high drinkability.

    I dig this. Humulus Felidae is a unique, well-executed IPA well worth picking up if you see it. Make sure it’s fresh, however. Thus far, I’ve been impressed by Noctem and I’m looking forward to having more of their beers. Lot’s of hops for me lately, so let’s hit a stout in our next breview.

    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!