Free Play IPA
Right Brain Brewery

 

19.2 oz can. Didn't notice until now its marked canned 4/18/24, bought at Olesons 2 weeks ago. 7.2% ABV, hopped with citra. 45 IBUs.

Pours out to a chill hazed light amber forming a tall meringue whipped off white head with superior retention and solid sticky sheets of lace. Carbonation is moderate, ~2.5 carbs or so. Nose of sweet malty pine, a little pineapple I'm sure the hops are subdued at this age because I'm getting a fair amount of C40 light caramel sweetness in the nose. No off aroma though. Mouthfeel is prickly, medium dense bodied, lightly syrupy up front, not too acidic. Taste of pine, pale and crystal malt, grapefruit pith with a firm and drying bitterness. Not too bitter for me though. No off flavors but I'd like to try it fresh. Still at this age, it's a good beer which is a testament to Right Brains brewing skill. Alot of local canned beer will present funky, tart and infected at this age.

A decent IPA, take this review with a grain of salt, but still pretty good.

My SISTA brought a can of this beer to share whilst visiting to attend my youngest's theater play. It poured a cloudy golden with white head that is leaving some lace. The scent had dank citrus fruit notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with bright semi sweet malt base with dank pineapple and mango presence. The mouthfeel was medium in body and had good carbonation. Overall it is a great beer.

 

A tall, creamy off-white head stands above the rim of a Strangebird IIPA glass. That head holds for ten minutes before slowly forming a thick pillow. The IPA is dark gold and clear, with random, fine carbonation filling the glass. The last few drops add cloudy yeast. That impressive head also left thick rings with each sip.

The aroma opens with strong, fresh hops. Citrus and pine work well together, while mango fades and is replaced by astringency. Ultimately, soap fills the nose. Once this transition starts, the aroma goes from great to ok within about five minutes.

The flavor is very bitter and lacks the initial freshness experienced in the aroma. Earthy pine tar reduces the light sweetness that was otherwise present with grapefruit. The finish is long and bitter.

It has a full body and a stiff, blunt, canvas texture. Alcohol is on target. Carbonation fills the mouth with each sip. Ultimately, this one is fairly dry.

This is a decent American IPA. Not quite East or West Coast, with both attributes being distinguishable. I enjoyed it on a cold, late January afternoon.