There seems to be no end to the hazy pale ales that are flooding the market but every once and a while, there are those that stand out. I've written about this style of beer so often that I have to go through my list of beer reviews to actually remember which have been my favourite.
There are a lot.
I even think that this style of beer is now my favourite, surpassing even a good stout, a style that I've loved since my early 20s. That's a long time ago.
Despite my ongoing beef with this style being associated with IPAs, I've come to love that tropical fruitiness. But, again, how does one make a brew like this that stands out.
Here's one that does for me:
High Park Brewery
Toronto ON
Appearance: pours an unfiltered, goldish apricot that is followed up by sediment that makes for a cloudy, deep orange, similar to grapefruit juice. A creamy white head pours thick and leaves a solid cap that clings to the sides of the glass.
Nose: oranges, limes, mangos, and a kiss of pine resin that actually made my nose run.
Palate: the pine leads on the tongue and is backed up with pineapple juice and guava, and finishes with bitter hops and a touch of peaches.
Overall impression: Rings of Saturn comes full circle with bitterness perfectly balanced with ripe fruit and then back to bitterness. Classified on the can as a full-bodied New England-styled, hazy IPA, this ale is all that. The beer is out of this world.
Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺🍺
High Park Brewery, according to its Web site, has partnered with Lost Craft under one roof. It's no surprise that I like this hazy ale as I've also enjoyed a couple of offerings of Lost Craft (their Neapolitan Ice Cream Stout really stood out for me). I'm going to have to pay them a visit the next time that I'm in Toronto.
In the meantime, both High Park and Lost Craft brews can be found at your friendly neighbourhood LCBO or at a participating grocery store. Grab some for this upcoming Canada Day weekend.
Cheers!
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