“The pursuit of hoppiness in an ongoing speciality series in which we explore the somewhat endless possibilities in the art of brewing with hops. Drinkers are given an exclusive look into the brewing process, with varieties, additions and time frame listed on the can label. Number three is a 7% Scandinavian IPA. A big, punchy, fruity IPA combining old school Norwegian farmhouse yeast with new world hop varieties.harg”
Glassware: IPA
Appearance: Deep golden pour with just the slightest haze. Modest head, sitting at about a finger in height before gradually receding to the rim. Wet streaky lace sticks to the glass as it ebbs.
Aroma: We like this direction from Hargreaves Hill. Let’s just say the POH#2 was a bit of a fail but the use of Kveik yeast here is not only crafty but nicely applied. Straight away this Nordic yeast offers a farmhouse spiciness with lots of straw/hay, pithy citrus peel and juniper. Nice background fruit profile to sweeten the deal. Digging it.
Flavour: The spiciness and farmhouse flavours of the yeast step back a little which we like. Certainly tasting the tropical fruits, pine, orange citrus and herbaceous notes from an all star American hop lineup….all hugged by the toasty malt bill. Nicely balanced finish – some yeast character mixed in with pithy citrus and grassy herbs.
Mouthfeel: Kind of a dry and chalky texture. Medium bodied with a well placed ABV (7%). Flat-ish CO2.
Overall: A well constructed IPA. Nothing flashy or over the top it just has all the ingredients working together. A bit of recreation with the Kveik to tick off the experimental nature of the series. Decent offering.