“Permutation is our experimental series of small batch offerings, showcasing the unique visions and innovative concepts developed by our brewing and cellar crew. Permutation 49 is a Double IPA brewed with Lactose featuring El Dorado in the double dry hop and pours a deeply hazy, vibrant orange hue.”
Glassware: IPA glass.
Appearance: Murky orange complexion that tops off with a cm of tightly held foam. Good head retention and healthy lace work as it ebbs.
Aroma: Nice and juicy. Lots of citrus-forward and zingy hops with a strong focus on pithy grapefruit, orange and tangerine. Picking up plenty of tropical stone fruit as well – mostly mango, rockmelon and paw paw with distinct piney notes cutting through. Maybe some creamy pineapple in there too. The malt is sweet, doughy and honeyed, offering a good balance to those dominant El Dorado hops. Brilliant nose.
Flavour: Much more dense and chewy, showing its AbV just a smidge more than the aroma. Less definition on the citrus with further stone fruit character to the fore. Jammy notes of apricot and marmalade blend nicely with the creamy vanilla/lactose before it moves in to the incredibly smooth finish which displays creamy orange, pine and candied citrus on a length.
Mouthfeel: Silky soft texture, well rounded and hiding that AbV very well (8.3%). Medium body, mild-medium Co2.
Overall: What a drop! Straight up west coast IPA on the nose then showing suggestions of NEIPA on the palate. Remarkably smooth and luxurious finish. One of the finest DIPA’s we’ve ever drunk. Brilliant.