AWAKENING ~ BIG RIG

5.8% from Ottawa, Ontario
Awakening is a red IPA. Sampled on draught this beer poured, a slightly hazy reddish amber with a moderate off white head. The froth left lovely lacing as it receded. Nice aroma containing caramel malts and herbal grassy hops, with a hint of fruity esters. The beer was had lovely malty flavours with a hoppy kick (herbal with a hint of grapefruit), and some fruit flavours in the background. The finish was moderately bitter, which complemented the caramel malts. The mouthfeel was slightly creamy, the body was medium and the carbonation was moderate. IPAs are not my favourite style, that being said, I really liked this one. Well balanced with a decent amount of hoppiness.

I, THE MOUNTAIN AND THE LEPRECHAUN FLUTE ~ SAWDUST CITY

This brew is a collaboration with folk rockers “I the Mountain” and Sawdust City Brewery. It is a Red IPA or India Red Ale, released for a limited time to celebrate spring. Unlike many red ales that can be more malt forward, this one hollers hops. Sampled on draught, the beer poured a beautiful slightly murky red colour, with a sizeable fluffy off-white head. The nose has a variety of dank hops – lemon peel, pine, and orange. The beer is quite hop forward but also has evidence of biscuit-bready malts. First sips had lots of citrus, especially orange. The middle remained hoppy but also had a sweet maltiness to it. The finish was dry with more pine resin and grapefruit. The beer was brewed with six different malts and Summit, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin hops. The 7% ABU helps to hide the bitterness of the 70 IBU’s this beer contains. I know many of you are, but I’m not one for mouth shredding hops, I do however really like this beer!

7.4% from Gravenhurst, Ontario     70 IBU