Cellarmaker ‘Bines & Rinds’ Watermelon & Hibiscus Hazy IPA

Rating:

“Hazy IPA with watermelon. Dank hops and watermelon – who would have guessed these two amazing items would work so well together? The sweet floral and juicy character of the watermelon softens the heady pine and ganja aspects of Simcoe and Strata hops.”

Glassware: IPA.

Appearance: It hits the glass with a cloudy rusted orange with light red hues. A massive four finger head emerges but it breaks apart quickly, leaving sparse lacing on the glass.

Aroma: The first scent we’re detecting is watermelon rind…not the tough skin but the crappy green flesh that no one wants to eat. It’s giving off a really strong cucumber quality alongside cracked pepper and, we know a lot of people will turn their noses up at this but, it’s displaying hints of steamed broccoli. But it somehow works! The sweetness of the watermelon does a LOT to counteract it. Then there’s the floral, weedy and piney hops wanting some attention too!

Flavour: Super complex…and we rarely say that about a Hazy IPA. The watermelon rind isn’t as dominant. Getting hints of the cucumber-esque flavours of it but the sweet red fleshy side is coming through a bit more. Enter the hibiscus! The somewhat tart and floral characters of pomegranate creep through as the super fruity brekky juice kicks off. The back end is all about the hops – weedy, piney, fruity and resinous which draw out well.

Mouthfeel: Fluffy, a little chalky and well aerated. Mild-medium body, finely carbed. 6.5% ABV slots in nicely.

Overall: We expected nothing less from this world class brewery. We’re not really big fans of watermelon or hibiscus in beer but these geniuses have found a way to make us question that. Super fun, tasty yet challenging at times.