“The fifth beer in our new bi-monthly IPA series sees a Bridge Road spin on the burgeoning ‘Cold IPA’. When researching the style, we recognised that these beers were essentially hoppy lagers, so we set about to flip the concept by using an ale yeast and fermenting at lager temperatures, thus making a true Cold iPA. Pale yellow in the glass, the aromas are of ripe tropical fruit, bubblegum and grapefruit (courtesy of some kiwi hops). Tropical and citrus hop notes dance on the palate, making way for a clean, lean body and an off dry finish with a restrained bitterness. Vol.5 is a hoppy reminder, that you need NEeD.”
Glassware: IPA.
Appearance: Pale golden amber pour with a soft haze. It forms a two and a half finger head which holds together nicely. Healthy lace work as it subsides.
Aroma: We’re really digging this style at the moment. Loving the edginess of it, the innovation, the session ability but most of all just how clean and enjoyable they are to drink. The hop bill (Motueka, Kohatu and Strata) play a big part in the make up of the aroma… displaying resinous and luscious evergreen, pine needle, oily citrus rind, tropical fruits like pineapple, passionfruit and mango, strawberry and a somewhat clean and semi sweet malt profile.
Flavour: So here we are saying how clean and sessional Cold IPA’s are and then this one drinks like a typical Antipodean IPA. Jinxed ourselves! The malt is a tad heavy and sweet for the style but in saying that it’s still a nicely structured beer. Tropical fruits, pine and a hint of grapefruit are balanced by the malt sweetness upfront. Subtle pithy citrus and kinda dank herbals midway are punctuated by a delicate acidity and malt sweetness.
Mouthfeel: A lot heavier and chewy than expected. Fairly smooth and well rounded though. Mild-moderate Co2. The 7% ABV is well buried.
Overall: Not our favourite interpretation of the style but in this case if they took the ‘Cold’ out of Cold IPA you’ve got a decent (although slightly pedestrian) IPA. We’re all for being creative but if you’re bucking the trend you’ve got to get it right. In our opinion.