Strong American Ale – Beerfection | Craft Beer Reviews

Boombox | 5e Baron

Crushed can of 5e Baron's Boombox, set against a high-contrast black backdrop.

A bold and flavorful hazy DIPA with fragrant hops and crisp mouthfeel. While packed with character, it’s held back by salty notes, visible sediment, and hints of yeast stress. Good, but with this much competition, it doesn’t stand out.

Vin D’orge Américain | Microbrasserie Le Castor

Crushed can of Le Castor's American Barleywine, set against a high-contrast black backdrop.

This Vin d’Orge is below average. It tastes a lot like an oxidized DIPA and the can is not even two months old. I can’t recommend this brew.

Double Descente | Boréale

Double Descente demonstrates excellent craftsmanship, great balance, and an overall superb drinking experience. I couldn’t ask for more. Highly recommended – maybe I’ll grab some more for the fridge before it’s gone.

Immoralité | Dieu du Ciel!

Dieu du Ciel’s Immoralité is a real treat and a stellar beer. Due to its ubiquity in Québec and the brewery’s level of distribution, I find people take this for granted. In a world full of hazy IPA’s, Immoralité truly stands out without losing a connection to the past.

#Gatineu Is Trending | Brasserie Bas-Canada

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.

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

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.

Double Dream Vol.2 | Wood Brothers Brewing Co.

I’m very surprised how flat this beer falls. 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.

Solstice d’Hiver | Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!

Bottle cap from Dieu du Ciel!, set against a high-contrast black backdrop

This is a sledgehammer of a beer and not for the faint of heart. 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.