It appears that my past few beer reviews have been about breweries that are located in Southern Ontario, and that's entirely a fluke. When I choose a beer to review, I'm either captured by the funky label or I'm in a particular mood for a certain style of brew, and seek it out in something I've never had before.
When I focus in on a can or bottle, I may recognize the brewer. If it's a brewery with which I'm familiar but I don't recognize the beer, I tend to pick it up if I like that brewery. If I don't recognize the brewer but am still attracted to the style of beer and the packaging, I'll take it home and learn more about the brewery there.
Such is the case with the past new brews that I've reviewed. I didn't discover the location of the brewery until after I brought the can home and after I've tried the contents therein. (I try not to read a label too much because I don't want to be influenced by any descriptions.)
The label on this can was pretty obvious about where the beer was from. Larger than the name of this IPA—I was in the mood for a juicy, hazy IPA—was the word 'London.' For all I knew, this brew was made in the UK, but I had my doubts. I've never had a hazy IPA from the birthplace of IPAs.
And it wasn't until I sat down to try this ale that it dawned on me that my past several reviews have come from Southern Ontario: Sarnia, Hamilton, Burlington, and Toronto. And now, London.
There are so many breweries from this part of the province that it's no surprise that I would stumble onto a few. So how does this cooperative, organic ale go down? Let's take a look.
London Brewing
London ON
Appearance: when the contents of the can moved into the glass, it appeared clearer than I had imagined; but after it hit the glass and the effervescence kicked in, it grew to a cloudy, pale apricot with a foamy, white head that left a thin but solid cap that remained in place.
Nose: tropical notes of pineapple and lime led the way to guava and a touch of lychee. The aromas, themselves are deliciously intoxicating and inviting.
Palate: more tropical flavours and a touch of pine and cantaloupe. There's a bitterness in the mouth that isn't overpowering but does slightly upstage the fruit. On subsequent sips, those bitter hops blend with the guava and pineapple, and grows to a more balanced finish.
The ale took some time for my mouth to adjust to everything.
Overall impression: this is a good hazy IPA and was just what I was looking for. Though not quite as juicy as I've had in other hazy IPAs, it didn't disappoint me at all. It's easy to drink, and though it boasts a higher alcohol level, the alcohol does not stand out. I would happily reach for another.
Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺
Organic Hazy IPA can be found in the LCBO and you can order directly from London Brewing—a $10 delivery fee to anywhere in Ontario is well worth it.
I'll try to branch out from Southern Ontario for my next review but I won't promise anything. For the most part, I've been impressed with the brews I've tried and there are oh so many more breweries from which to sample.
Cheers!
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