Dead Frog brewmaster Tony Dewald recently told me how much he liked beers to be challenging and bitter, but this beer proves he does have a gentler soul; it’s just the 50 IBUs, after all.
The first seasonal release of Dead Frog’s new era, Immaculate is yet another bold statement of intent by the Aldergrove brewery: a summer golden ale that’s packed with flavour, yet deftly balanced and hugely refreshing.
The colour is gorgeous: a crystal-clear golden amber, topped by a thick, rich, white, wheat-enhanced head that ever so slowly settles to a generous cap.
There’s an earthy, bready malt base on the nose with sprightly but complementing herbal hop aromas mixed with a subtle orange scent (orange peel is in the mix).
The gently sweet malt base is the first to announce itself, then melds beautifully into bright green citrus hops notes and the slightly denser citrus of the orange peel. The mouthfeel is soft and sumptuous,with a gentle dryness and and a slightly vegetal bitterness in the finish.
It’s the Fearless IPA in a bikini, a stripped-down summer version of a great beer.
Pairing: Spicy Thai or lighter Mexican dishes. Or how about a salmon burger, straight off the grill, with all the fixings?
Beer Cat: Likes
facebook.com/brewedawakeningblog
