TOP DROP July 2020

 

Is it because it’s the end of the financial year or just that we’re old and bitter? This month we try a selection of IPAs for those who don’t mind swallowing a bitter pill.

 

IPA
Hawkers Beer
My first Hawkers beer and on the basis of this, it certainly won’t be the last. Very, very well balanced. Crack the can and you encounter a beautiful aroma of tropical fruit. Take a sip and all that tropical fruit with hints of citrus and a smooth bitterness hit the palate. Never mind another, I will have a case please. Love it.

 


 

CALIFORNIA IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
All the hallmarks that I have come to love in a great IPA. Enticing aroma of citrus, pineapple and tropical fruit, good carbonation and a delicately balanced tropical fruit sweetness and IPA hoppy bitterness. Smashable has become a popular term to describe certain beers of late. Many IPAs are incredibly enjoyable but not what you would describe as “smashable”. This one is and it’s extremely delicious with a super clean finish.


 

IPA
Atomic Beer Project Gage Roads
I must admit I haven’t provided many endearing reviews of Gage Roads beers of late but this one is a nice one. Refreshing passionfruit, citrus and pine taste. Sweet with a nice hit of bitterness. Very enjoyable.

 
 


 

IPA
Young Henrys
If you like your IPAs dry, sour and bitter, this is a beauty. Another nice beer from Young Henrys. Strong notes of grapefruit and pine intermixed with tropical fruit. A very sessionable IPA that’s not too overpowering.

 


 

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT SOLAR POWERED IPA
Moon Dog Craft Brewery
A big tropical fruit bowl with healthy chunks of pineapple and not overly bitter. It is a big, bright and juicy IPA that will leave you with a sunny disposition.

 
 


 

FATHOM IPA
Ballast Point Brewing
There are certain breweries throughout the world that you know will deliver time and time again. Ballast Point is one such brewery. This IPA is crisp and clean, with a touch of malt to balance the zesty orange and pine hop notes. Just the right amount of sweetness, bitterness and depth. A classic US West Coast style IPA.

 


 

TO THE VALLEY INDIA PALE ALE
Newstead Brewing Co.
This American style IPA is a nice drop. Tropical fruit and citrus flavours with a hint of passionfruit to the fore balanced with a savoury malt undertone. Enjoyable.

 
 


 


GENERAL INDUSTRY IPA

Brendale Brewing Company
The first beer I have tried from this outfit and on the basis of this IPA it won’t be the last. Stone fruit and citrus aromas make way for a taste of the same that is delicately balanced with a light malt base and punchy bitterness.

 


 

We hoped you enjoyed the Top Drop July 2020.  Click here for the Top Drop June 2020 Review.