“Delorean, Lamborghini….and now Isuzu. Amigo that is, 1992 to be exact. The next in our unofficial “car” series is dedicated to brewer Kevin Brown’s insanely radical ride. Elegant fermentation character, dank hops, heirloom floor malted British barley for body and balance.”

Glassware: IPA

Appearance: Murky pastel yellow with a billowing four finger head which takes an age to reduce. The lacing is thick and blotchy as it recedes.

Aroma: Bursting with a gorgeous fusion of creamy orange citrus, juicy tropical fruit, peach, apricot, rockmelon, papaya, some delicate florals and herbs, sappy pine resin and lemongrass. Quite a yeasty little number too…accentuating the fruity characters and handing it a bit of extra personality. A fairly noticeable dry bready malt profile to fill it out. Nice.

Flavour: As smooth as a baby’s backside yet we’d have to admit the intensity that was there in aroma seems to have dropped off a little. Still, we’re picking up lots of orange citrus and stonefruit, subtle tropical fruit sweetness, florals and mild herbals. This dryness (either from the yeast or the malts) is here pretty much from start to the slightly pithy and citric finish.

Mouthfeel: Creamy but too over carbonated. Quite light on with mild-moderate body. The 7% ABV is well behaved.

Overall: A rare strike out for ASB. Usually they can do no wrong but the lack of flavour and over carbonation is not doing it any favours. Pretty average stuff from a usually outstanding brewery.