High Tide Hemp Ale
Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

Appearance. Pours a deep red-amber with two fingers of off white head that lasts a while leaves some thick lacing.

Smell. Sweet caramel malt and light fruity hops.

Taste. Nice caramel malts but not too sweet, fruit and more toasty grains. Not getting much hemp taste.

Mouthfeel. Medium body with medium carbonation. Alcohol well hidden ...which it should be at 5.5%.

Overall. Nice beer but not really what I think of as far as an English Bitter goes.

Its been a long time since a hemp ale has been brewed in BC ( shaftebury and Bowen Island) and it is nice to see Howe Sound use the hemp to add a slightly nutty flavour to a well made English bitter. Lots of midbody to this beer and a solid hop note that is more British than PNW. Could drink this all night which is a good thing for the style

Nice English-style bitter from Howe Sound. A bit dark. Copper bordering on brown. Sweet malts, good bitter hops and hemp. Slight brown sugar scent. Smooth, somewhat dry taste the give way to a weird malty-hemp mix. Mild hoppy profile. Good, low carbonation and a great session beer.

Brewed for New Year 2010, on tap at Howe Sound Brewery.

Appearance: Brownish reddish amber, opaque, slightly off white good creamy head, receding to a creamy ring and light froth, some lace.

Aroma: Floral, fruity, some hop and hemp.

Taste: Malty, fruity, slightly sour, with gentle hop and restrained hemp flavour adding complexity. Lasting but moderate bitter finish. Very English tasting, more so than any other ale I've tried in the pacific northwest.

Mouthfeel: Slightly full side of medium bodied, smooth.

Drinkability: Served a little warmer than their other offerings, as English ales are; but not as warm as in England. This is a good thing, as it doesn't become too sour as a result.

A very good effort.