BIA IPA
Birrificio B.O.A. (Birrificio Ostiense Artigianale)

Only a tiny clump of sediment sneaked its way into the glass but it was enough to completely obscure the clarity of this golden-amber ale. Now only shadows are visible on the other side, despite a fairly illuminated complexion. Its head is a bit patchy but leaves fashionable lacing.

The aroma has some brighter citrus flavour but is dominated by a bitter orange peel note. It is also very 'herbal' and has a ganja-like stink that is blended with perfumy spring-time florals. It isn't overpowering but shows exactly what it is about hops that are so damn enchanting.

The Italians don't shy away from bitterness. In fact, they embrace it, as evidenced by the overwhelming selection of 'amaro' (bitters) and the cultural devotion to espresso. BIA IPA follows in the bitter aperitif tradition; it is refreshing and stimulating to the appetite, with a strong presence of macerated herbs, flowers, bark, and citrus peels.

The flavour shows hops chasing their own tail - citrus follows grassy herbals follows flower petals and pine follows citrus, on and on into the aftertaste. It's like a hermit crab moving from shell to shell. Some alcohol is detected but reaches nowhere near levels that might tip a toxicology screen; caramel malt soaks up much of it, like crusty bread the remnants of a creamy soup.

So 'poof' goes the axiom that Italy is solely a nation of wine drinkers. BIA IPA is a beer lover's beer and simply wouldn't be made if there weren't a domestic market for hop-heads (that presumably sport stylish designer hats and fine merino scarves). Besides, on a hot day this can be every bit as satisfying a quencher as a Soave, Pinot Grigio, or Prosecco.

 

Cloudy orange appearance with thick bubbly head that slowly settles down leaving decent lacing. Smell consists of malt, honey, roasted hops with a hint of earthiness.

Taste is similar to the smell, consists mainly of malt and honey. Picked up a spicy, citrus, bread taste as well. Very refreshing and balanced overall. Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Aftertaste is a lingering spicy malt taste.

This is a solid beer, very surprised with the features. Tastes more like a Micro IPA from North America rather than Europe. Don't pass this up, you'll be impressed.

From a 330 ml brown bottle, best before listed on label as 03/2012. Pours out a cloudy honey/almond hue, some suspended particles. Tall tight creamy, slightly off-white head with great retention.

Dry toasty malt on the nose, with some spicy, earthy, leafy hops.

Clean dry toasty and musty grains up front in the flavour, finishing with dry spicy, leafy, slightly herbal hops, with the herbal aspect lingering on well into the aftertaste. Occassional sweetness pops up on the finish as well. As it warms more citrus character hops appear.

Medium-bodied mouthfeel, silky slick texture, moderate carbonation.

Mild, very drinkable and approachable IPA from Italy, a bit of a cross between American and English styles with hop content, although malt bill seems more English. It doesn't look too pretty but there is some goodness in there to discover.