Boatrocker ‘Hello Stranger’ Red IPA

Rating:

“Hello Stranger is our take on a red IPA that brings the hop complexity of an IPA together with the malty goodness of something a little darker. We’re really excited to be back in the swing of working with bolder malt driven beers, and you better believe this is only the first of many to come.”

Glassware: IPA.

Appearance: Very deep amber colour with a reddish-bronze glow. It only manages a short tan cap which settles at the rim. Spotty lace sticks to the glass as we go.

Aroma: The malt bill has a seriously chewy sweetness to it. Big and moreish burnt toffee overtones are backed up by rich caramel, maple syrup, butterscotch and honeysuckle. The hops (which balance out the malts brilliantly, mind you) offer more of a floral character with additions of sweet nectary fruits like passionfruit, mango and peach. Some boiled candy notes thrown on top for good measure.

Flavour: Interesting. This distinct earthy quality shows up here and we feel it creates this third wheel kind of vibe. It didn’t need it to be honest. The malts were sticky and sweet and the hops were doing a decent job at counteracting them. Still, the bones of the beer are pretty good and the balance is reasonable. The finish progresses nicely too…chopping from sweet and sticky to dry and fruity a few times.

Mouthfeel: Slightly creamy, chewy and gelatinous. Medium body, well carbed. The 6% ABV adds no more warmth than it needs to.

Overall: Look, it’s not Boatrocker’s best beer but it’s still somewhat decent. One of those try and fly sorts that aren’t all that memorable.