“Berserkers were Germanic warriors who fought with an uncontrollable, trance-like ferocity. Our amber IPA is inspired by this passion, but with the additional reassurance of it having rarely invoked a desire in drinkers to partake in a bloodthirsty rampage…hardly ever. It pours a deep, radiant amber with a decent head. The nose reveals floral and tropical fruit aromas from the Mosaic dry-hopping, and roast and toffee notes from a complex malt profile. The taste presents a solid bitterness; however, the malt backbone and late in the boil/dry-hop additions balance this with a rich caramel/burnt sugar sweetness and elevating citrus and tropical fruit notes.”
Glassware: IPA glass.
Appearance: It pours an attractive crimson red with a healthy three finger crown. Excellent head retention which leaves a smattering of lace in its wake.
Aroma: Oodles of sweet and decadent malts hit the olfactory’s led by toffee, caramel and syrup. There’s an interesting segway in to the hop bill, it’s this somewhat berry-infused sweetness that has us captivated. Other scents like rose petals, floral pine, tree sap and plum jam add extra layers of depth and complexity.
Flavour: The first thing that we notice is the superb balance. Piney resins, passion fruit and subtle citrus which is countered by sticky toffee apple and nutty caramels. Getting more of that IPA-like citrus bitterness midway which moves in to a dry finish with discernible malty sweet notes on the back palate.
Mouthfeel: Slick and gelatinous but with a subtle drying effect developing in the swallow. Medium body, mild-moderate co2. 6.2% ABV is well concealed.
Overall: We must say it was much better on tap. It’s had over 4 months in the can so that could be playing a bit of a role. It’s a tasty and well balanced drop but it’s just not as good this time around.