Beer Blogger Jr.

I took a little trip to the local Off Licence today and had a look around their new beers that they had in. I will admit, it's getting difficult to find one that I hadn't tried before, let alone a brewery that I hadn't heard of so local to me. This one is just over the border between East Sussex and Kent, in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

The label describes it as an American Pale Ale, Loaded with American hops. "Light and Sessionable with juicy fruit aromas and a firm bitterness and a smooth malt backbone".

Upon pouring, you get a smooth head that never completely disappears. The aromas from the hops hit you instantly. My guess is Citra, Amarillo and Cascade. The hop aroma is a beautiful one and creates a massive desire to get that first big sup underway.

This beer brings a massive aroma of hops into the mouth with a the hoppy bitterness rolling over your tongue. The floral and citrusy notes, that APA's are so well known for, flow forth and leave room for the bittersweet, slightly malty backbone the label had promised. This is not only a delicious beer, but damned refreshing too. The hoppy aromas linger on the palate and mingle in your mouth. A truly wonderful experience.

The carbonation is not too much to cause that gassy feeling in your belly, but enough to clean the palate and leave you wanting another sip. The balance is nigh on perfect.

My praise for this beer is indeed high. The only thing that I'd like to change is that big hop aroma follows through on the flavour. The aroma promises something that the flavour does not quite match. Nevertheless, this is a darned tasty beer and one that I shall be buying again.

Innis and Gunn have always been intriguing to me. I've seen countless special editions covered in a fancy box. There seems to be a divided opinion in my friends circle. Some say it's a gimmick that is aimed at the "casual drinker", whilst others say that these are genuinely interesting and tasty beers and there is a reason for their various caskings and alterations. I, personally have always enjoyed them and found the "Special Editions" to be a rewarding and delicious purchase.

Anyway, onto the beer. It pours a light, golden colour with a small, foamy head, that disappears in a matter of moments. The aroma is not strong at all and is lacking the hoppy hit that you'd expect of an IPA.

At a 5.8% IPA, you'd expect a big hit of hops, followed by a small warmth from the slightly higher, albeit low for an IPA, percentage. The hops aren't really there and what does come along, dissipates quickly upon swallowing. There's not the lasting finish that usually follows with this type of beer. The flavour is really one that is bittersweet with a slight malt overtone. Nothing particularly hoppy.

There's no real hint of oak or even a toasted wood aroma. The "Gimmick" label that had been appointed may well apply to this beer.

It's an easy drinking beer, with a rather heavy carbonation. It would do well with chilling and becoming a refreshing drink for a muggy summers evening. It's decent, but not an IPA flavour by far. The hops just aren't there.