It's true that these hazy, tropical-fruit-flavoured ales are a mutation of a classic IPA. They are hop-forward ales but they have taken on characteristics that can no longer be recognized as an India Pale Ale.
India has nothing to do with these brews.
Don't get me wrong: I love this style of pale-coloured ale. I love the hazy glow. I love the notes of pineapple, mango, and tangerine. They have become one of my favourite styles of beer. I could drink them all day.
But in no way do they make me think of an IPA.
I know that I've said this before and I know that the ship has sailed for giving this style of ale a name all its own. I guess it's too late to call them a New England/Northeast Pale Ale (NEPA) or a West Coast Pale Ale.
India is a wonderful country but we should leave it be when it comes to naming a beer that doesn't come from that distant land nor is intended for export to that destination.
We should just accept that hazy, juicy ales are a mutant IPA.
Which brings me to today's beer review.
Flying Monkeys, of Barrie, Ontario, has created what they call a "Crushable IPA." Packaged in yet another busy, multicoloured label that is covered in fantastical creatures, this can caught my eye in a Sobey's beer section.
Let's delve into it.
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
Barrie ON
Appearance: a hazy apricot gold with a creamy head that maintains a solid cap and clings to the inside of the glass.
Nose: orange rind and pine.
Palate: pineapple with more orange rind and a sharper pine resin cleanse the palate and leave with a medium, orange zest finish. There is nothing overpowering in the mouth and the body is medium to light.
Overall impression: the label and name gave me the impression that I was in for something big. I must admit that I only ever check the alcohol content after I've had my first sip, unless the beer label loudly defines the contents as a strong beer or alcohol-free. The past ales that I've had from Flying Monkeys have been heavy-hitting with an ABV rating of 8 percent or higher. When this brew filled my mouth, I immediately knew that this was a lighter ale.
It is, as Flying Monkeys states, a crushable ale. Its flavours aren't in your face and it's easy-drinking. It's a decent beverage. But that's it.
Did I like it? Sure. Would I drink it again? If offered, why not? Would I seek it out again? Um... probably not.
It's good, it's fine, but when I'm looking forward to unwinding with a beer, I want something that stands out, and this mutant IPA blends into the vast arena that hosts millions of these hazy, juicy brews. The label gave me the impression that this was a monster ale, and these mutants are tame.
Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺 + .5
Cheers!
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