IPA Américaine
Microbrasserie Pit Caribou


Beer Geek Stats
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- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #3,203 - ABV:
- 7%
- Score:
- 87
Ranked #20,246 - Avg:
- 3.9 | pDev: 6.15%
- Reviews:
- 17
- Ratings:
- From:
- Microbrasserie Pit Caribou
- Quebec, Canada
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 2
- Gots
- 5
SCORE
87
Very Good
87
Very Good


Notes:
Reviews: 17
| Ratings: 54
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Reviews by LanceH:
LanceH from Canada (ON)
4/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 24, 2016
4/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 24, 2016
More User Reviews:
Phyl21ca from Canada (QC)
3.85/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle: Poured a slightly hazy golden color ale with a rather large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of citrus and floral hops is pretty intense with some bitter notes. Taste is also dominated by bitter notes with some great floral notes with some citrus undertones. Body is about average for style with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Solid rendition of the style with more focus on the floral notes then the bitterness of the hops.
Apr 29, 2013
3.85/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle: Poured a slightly hazy golden color ale with a rather large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of citrus and floral hops is pretty intense with some bitter notes. Taste is also dominated by bitter notes with some great floral notes with some citrus undertones. Body is about average for style with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Solid rendition of the style with more focus on the floral notes then the bitterness of the hops.
Apr 29, 2013
Beersignal from Canada (QC)
4.05/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
From the Série l'Étoile du Brasseur (the brewer's star) this is the third offering if I'm not mistaken.
Striking crystal clear gold colour with a stark white head of foam that laces the sides of my glass copiously. Nice to look at.
Aromas are hop forward (who would've guessed for an IPA) but less malt is present than I would have imagined. Citrucy, herbal,and resiney throughout with very little malt so I'm expecting something on the dry side.
Tastes are once again hop centered with a generous dose of hop bitterness and characteristic citrus flavours of West Coast hops. A touch of biscuity malt cuts through the resiney bite but is pushed aside by a long and bracing finish from the hops. Not harsh by any means but not necessarily gentle either. Straight forward and well executed clean flavours.
Mouthfeel is dryish but there is some malt to support the prominent hop character. Carbonation contributes to the dry impression, but make no mistake, this is a substantial beer.
This is a very well crafted IPA and one I hope sticks around for a long time... long enough for me to sit in my back yard on a warm summer evening next to a fire with a pint of this in my hand.
Santé
SMD
Feb 03, 2012
4.05/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
From the Série l'Étoile du Brasseur (the brewer's star) this is the third offering if I'm not mistaken.
Striking crystal clear gold colour with a stark white head of foam that laces the sides of my glass copiously. Nice to look at.
Aromas are hop forward (who would've guessed for an IPA) but less malt is present than I would have imagined. Citrucy, herbal,and resiney throughout with very little malt so I'm expecting something on the dry side.
Tastes are once again hop centered with a generous dose of hop bitterness and characteristic citrus flavours of West Coast hops. A touch of biscuity malt cuts through the resiney bite but is pushed aside by a long and bracing finish from the hops. Not harsh by any means but not necessarily gentle either. Straight forward and well executed clean flavours.
Mouthfeel is dryish but there is some malt to support the prominent hop character. Carbonation contributes to the dry impression, but make no mistake, this is a substantial beer.
This is a very well crafted IPA and one I hope sticks around for a long time... long enough for me to sit in my back yard on a warm summer evening next to a fire with a pint of this in my hand.
Santé
SMD
Feb 03, 2012
smcolw from Massachusetts
4/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a cloudy, light amber color. Large, slowly receding head (lumpy). Leaves some chunky spots on the glass.
Pleasant blend of crystal (dry caramel) malt and floral hop nose. Very balanced. A touch of alcohol warmth in the background. Attractive.
Strong alcohol presence on the tongue. The hop is also much more biting--black pepper on the swallow. Long, bitter aftertaste. The body and carbonation are pretty typical for the style.
Jul 27, 2014
4/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a cloudy, light amber color. Large, slowly receding head (lumpy). Leaves some chunky spots on the glass.
Pleasant blend of crystal (dry caramel) malt and floral hop nose. Very balanced. A touch of alcohol warmth in the background. Attractive.
Strong alcohol presence on the tongue. The hop is also much more biting--black pepper on the swallow. Long, bitter aftertaste. The body and carbonation are pretty typical for the style.
Jul 27, 2014
biegaman from Canada (ON)
3.53/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pit Caribou IPA Américaine looks almost as unkempt and time-worn as the fisherman on its label; highlights are so tired as to be almost entirely muted and its complexion is completely clouded over, giving this shady amber beer a kind of grungy look. Carbonation, however, appears to be very healthy; the head only seems to get denser as I drink through it and leaves thickset lacing.
The aroma is laced with a lightly pungent earthiness (flowers, twigs, mildew and the like) but it's a bed of honeycomb at its base. Try as I might I'm unable to detect a single citrus or tropical fruit. It's pleasant (I guess) but not where it needs to be if it has the words "IPA" and "American" in the name.
'Creamy' is generally a nice quality in a beer - but it's not exactly desirable in an IPA. I'd much prefer to cut my gums on sharp, acidic citrus notes or have them plastered in piny resins. I half expect as much. But Pit Caribou apparently sees it differently; this has a spongy mouthfeel with a caramel-coated cardboard aftertaste. But that smooth butterscotch flavour doesn't stand alone...
Hops contribute a dry, herbal, almost savory flavour like that of rosemary (as much the bark as the needles). Yeast and/or suspected by-products produce a fairly prominent apple note as well, one that actually suits the underlying taste of toffee but really should have no place in a recipe like this. Also, someone aught to tell the beer it's actually 7% alcohol and 77 IBU. It thinks it's a mild.
When it comes to beer "America" isn't a place but a concept - one I'm not sure Pit Caribou fully grasps. This fails to deliver the notorious citrus and/or resin notes that characterize the style. Like many, I believe a brewery's IPA is a fair indicator of their overall quality and capabilities and IPA Américaine doesn't make a particularly encouraging impression. I'll be a little hesitant to buy their stuff again.
Sep 24, 2015
3.53/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Pit Caribou IPA Américaine looks almost as unkempt and time-worn as the fisherman on its label; highlights are so tired as to be almost entirely muted and its complexion is completely clouded over, giving this shady amber beer a kind of grungy look. Carbonation, however, appears to be very healthy; the head only seems to get denser as I drink through it and leaves thickset lacing.
The aroma is laced with a lightly pungent earthiness (flowers, twigs, mildew and the like) but it's a bed of honeycomb at its base. Try as I might I'm unable to detect a single citrus or tropical fruit. It's pleasant (I guess) but not where it needs to be if it has the words "IPA" and "American" in the name.
'Creamy' is generally a nice quality in a beer - but it's not exactly desirable in an IPA. I'd much prefer to cut my gums on sharp, acidic citrus notes or have them plastered in piny resins. I half expect as much. But Pit Caribou apparently sees it differently; this has a spongy mouthfeel with a caramel-coated cardboard aftertaste. But that smooth butterscotch flavour doesn't stand alone...
Hops contribute a dry, herbal, almost savory flavour like that of rosemary (as much the bark as the needles). Yeast and/or suspected by-products produce a fairly prominent apple note as well, one that actually suits the underlying taste of toffee but really should have no place in a recipe like this. Also, someone aught to tell the beer it's actually 7% alcohol and 77 IBU. It thinks it's a mild.
When it comes to beer "America" isn't a place but a concept - one I'm not sure Pit Caribou fully grasps. This fails to deliver the notorious citrus and/or resin notes that characterize the style. Like many, I believe a brewery's IPA is a fair indicator of their overall quality and capabilities and IPA Américaine doesn't make a particularly encouraging impression. I'll be a little hesitant to buy their stuff again.
Sep 24, 2015
drinkininthewood from Canada (ON)
3.72/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650ml Bomber served into a pint glass.
A- Hazy bronze color. Nice head that diminishes to a thin layer yet retains and laces quite well.
S- Though wiffs of nice floral hop resins are present in the nose. I found the aroma to carry a strong malt presence as well, with a fresh cookie like aroma and hints of caramel malt.
T- The taste is as expected in an IPA with a nice barrage of hops consisting mainly of pine and orange rinds/grapefruit, with hints of tropical fruit and a touch of sweetness mid palate. Malt notes are of fresh baked bread and add solid balance. Hops are assertive in the finish and the aftertaste has nice lingering bitterness. No alcohol.
S- smooth medium bodied IPA with good carbonation for the style.
D- Drinkability is strong in this beer. Nice hop flavors and good balance.
Overall i like my IPA to have a taste that matches the aroma. I found the aroma to be somewhat subdued yet all concerns i may have had were banished when i took my first sip. This is a solid beer with excellent flavors and drinkability. Though I'm not sure how it would fare against its American counterparts, I'm overwhelmed with joy at the fact that I'm starting to see more and more solid renditions of this style that are brewed in Canada. Nice Job!
Aug 03, 2013
3.72/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650ml Bomber served into a pint glass.
A- Hazy bronze color. Nice head that diminishes to a thin layer yet retains and laces quite well.
S- Though wiffs of nice floral hop resins are present in the nose. I found the aroma to carry a strong malt presence as well, with a fresh cookie like aroma and hints of caramel malt.
T- The taste is as expected in an IPA with a nice barrage of hops consisting mainly of pine and orange rinds/grapefruit, with hints of tropical fruit and a touch of sweetness mid palate. Malt notes are of fresh baked bread and add solid balance. Hops are assertive in the finish and the aftertaste has nice lingering bitterness. No alcohol.
S- smooth medium bodied IPA with good carbonation for the style.
D- Drinkability is strong in this beer. Nice hop flavors and good balance.
Overall i like my IPA to have a taste that matches the aroma. I found the aroma to be somewhat subdued yet all concerns i may have had were banished when i took my first sip. This is a solid beer with excellent flavors and drinkability. Though I'm not sure how it would fare against its American counterparts, I'm overwhelmed with joy at the fact that I'm starting to see more and more solid renditions of this style that are brewed in Canada. Nice Job!
Aug 03, 2013
ZorPrime from Canada (QC)
4.18/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
The beer color is pale copper. The head looks like soap foam but sticks quite well to the glass. Very carbonated based on the looks. The aroma is all hops. Piny with some grapefruits and citrus... tropical fruits. Not very aggressive in the aroma zone, but I like it.
On the taste, it is more aggressive. It gets better! Fruity (citrus) and bitter at the end. Not an over the top bitterness. This is not your typical west coast IPA, however I really like what they have done with it. Very nice and tasty. Its even a little spicy with some grapefruits. I really dig this one. Nice.
Medium body. Carbonation is present in the mouth. Overall a pretty decent beer.
Mar 12, 2012
4.18/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
The beer color is pale copper. The head looks like soap foam but sticks quite well to the glass. Very carbonated based on the looks. The aroma is all hops. Piny with some grapefruits and citrus... tropical fruits. Not very aggressive in the aroma zone, but I like it.
On the taste, it is more aggressive. It gets better! Fruity (citrus) and bitter at the end. Not an over the top bitterness. This is not your typical west coast IPA, however I really like what they have done with it. Very nice and tasty. Its even a little spicy with some grapefruits. I really dig this one. Nice.
Medium body. Carbonation is present in the mouth. Overall a pretty decent beer.
Mar 12, 2012
eat from Canada (QC)
4.1/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I'm always so hesitant to purchase unknown Quebec IPAs since the vast majority are total letdowns. Picked up this one on the strength of their porter, Gaspesienne, and hoped for the best (no bottling date listed, try to take one from the fridge if you can find it).
Pours a crystal-clear amber-coloued body with a good cover of frothy off-white head. Decent lacing though retention could be better.
The nose contains nice citrus and tropical fruits (grapefruit, tangerine, lychee, passion fruit), pine, strong floral notes, pepper and a light contrast of caramel malt. Solid.
The bitterness of a real American IPA hits the tongue up front, with lots of earthy pine, grass and grapefruit pith. Just the right touch of alcohol along with wheaty grain and an understated-but-sufficient malt backing.
Good medium body and moderate carbonation. Appropriate feel.
I would call this an actual American IPA, and not a bad one at that. At $6 a pint from the depanneur it's a little steep but I could see myself picking this up again as quality bottled IPAs are hard to come by in these parts. Possibly my favourite Quebec-brewed IPA in a bottle to date, so bonus points for that. Nice one Pit Caribou!
Feb 06, 2012
4.1/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I'm always so hesitant to purchase unknown Quebec IPAs since the vast majority are total letdowns. Picked up this one on the strength of their porter, Gaspesienne, and hoped for the best (no bottling date listed, try to take one from the fridge if you can find it).
Pours a crystal-clear amber-coloued body with a good cover of frothy off-white head. Decent lacing though retention could be better.
The nose contains nice citrus and tropical fruits (grapefruit, tangerine, lychee, passion fruit), pine, strong floral notes, pepper and a light contrast of caramel malt. Solid.
The bitterness of a real American IPA hits the tongue up front, with lots of earthy pine, grass and grapefruit pith. Just the right touch of alcohol along with wheaty grain and an understated-but-sufficient malt backing.
Good medium body and moderate carbonation. Appropriate feel.
I would call this an actual American IPA, and not a bad one at that. At $6 a pint from the depanneur it's a little steep but I could see myself picking this up again as quality bottled IPAs are hard to come by in these parts. Possibly my favourite Quebec-brewed IPA in a bottle to date, so bonus points for that. Nice one Pit Caribou!
Feb 06, 2012
liamt07 from Canada (ON)
3.63/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bottle from ZorPrime, thanks Eric! 500ml into a tulip.Lot # 408, whatever that means.
Pale golden orange, fluffy and soapy white head. Good retention and some sticky lace. Nose has some citrus, a bit of pale malts. Some lighter fruit notes, not too distinctly 'American' in style, but still more American than English. Taste has some bitter hops, some pine and herbal notes and a bit more citrus and perhaps a bit of grapefruit, although this isn't too big. More pale malt notes, drying and 'cracker-y.' Bitterness sticks around for quite some time. A touch soapy. Medium mouthfeel and medium low carbonation. Drinkable, but nothing to get me too excited.
Apr 07, 2012
3.63/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bottle from ZorPrime, thanks Eric! 500ml into a tulip.Lot # 408, whatever that means.
Pale golden orange, fluffy and soapy white head. Good retention and some sticky lace. Nose has some citrus, a bit of pale malts. Some lighter fruit notes, not too distinctly 'American' in style, but still more American than English. Taste has some bitter hops, some pine and herbal notes and a bit more citrus and perhaps a bit of grapefruit, although this isn't too big. More pale malt notes, drying and 'cracker-y.' Bitterness sticks around for quite some time. A touch soapy. Medium mouthfeel and medium low carbonation. Drinkable, but nothing to get me too excited.
Apr 07, 2012
VbolieuV from Canada (QC)
4.26/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Light amber in color with a nice 1 inch white, almost beige, head.
In the nose you get lots of hops, a tropical fruits and citrus aromas.
In the mouth it's definitely bitter, that's the first thing you notice. Other than that you feel a small fruitiness and taste some of the malts with a lot of earthy flavors.
The bitterness feeling lingers for quite a while in the mouth and the throat.
Overall a really
Mar 22, 2016
4.26/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Light amber in color with a nice 1 inch white, almost beige, head.
In the nose you get lots of hops, a tropical fruits and citrus aromas.
In the mouth it's definitely bitter, that's the first thing you notice. Other than that you feel a small fruitiness and taste some of the malts with a lot of earthy flavors.
The bitterness feeling lingers for quite a while in the mouth and the throat.
Overall a really
Mar 22, 2016
Digimaika2 from Canada (ON)
3.96/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
(4.25) A: Hazy copper with a very creamy and dense white head. Very long lasting retention with good streaky lacing down the glass. Outstanding appearance.
(3.75) S: Pine, juicy grapefruit, pineapple, hints of sweet coconut, toffee, and buttery bread. This has great citrus and tropical qualities that come across both juicy and sweet. Aroma seems quite fresh.
(4.0) T: Pine, citrusy, less tropical, buttery bread, nutty qualities, and spices. Lots of bitterness with quite a lingering dry finish. Fruits form somewhat of a bubblegum taste that is appealing. Alcohol well hidden.
(4.0) M: Medium bodied with a moderate carbonation. Oily and creamy with a nice resiny texture.
(4.0) D: This is an excellent and well crafted American IPA. Pit Caribou is definitely a microbrasserie that I’ll be keeping my eye out for in Montreal – hopefully can try more of their stuff.
Mar 30, 2014
3.96/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
(4.25) A: Hazy copper with a very creamy and dense white head. Very long lasting retention with good streaky lacing down the glass. Outstanding appearance.
(3.75) S: Pine, juicy grapefruit, pineapple, hints of sweet coconut, toffee, and buttery bread. This has great citrus and tropical qualities that come across both juicy and sweet. Aroma seems quite fresh.
(4.0) T: Pine, citrusy, less tropical, buttery bread, nutty qualities, and spices. Lots of bitterness with quite a lingering dry finish. Fruits form somewhat of a bubblegum taste that is appealing. Alcohol well hidden.
(4.0) M: Medium bodied with a moderate carbonation. Oily and creamy with a nice resiny texture.
(4.0) D: This is an excellent and well crafted American IPA. Pit Caribou is definitely a microbrasserie that I’ll be keeping my eye out for in Montreal – hopefully can try more of their stuff.
Mar 30, 2014
Intrinsic from Germany
3.97/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
IPA Americaine pours a nice golden straw colour, with lots of head, respectable retention, and great lacing.
The smell is nothing but piney hops. Not sure what variety they used, but its good. :)
Same goes for the taste. Although there isn't much complexity. Still, I'll buy this again just based on the piney hops. :)
Good carbonation, slightly dry. Overall, a good beer.
Feb 17, 2012
3.97/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
IPA Americaine pours a nice golden straw colour, with lots of head, respectable retention, and great lacing.
The smell is nothing but piney hops. Not sure what variety they used, but its good. :)
Same goes for the taste. Although there isn't much complexity. Still, I'll buy this again just based on the piney hops. :)
Good carbonation, slightly dry. Overall, a good beer.
Feb 17, 2012
Caudalie from Canada (QC)
3.77/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured in a spiegelau beer tasting glass
After the special bitter, and the english IPA, here comes the american IPA from this brewer located in Gaspésia.
A:Pours a clear golden yellow, pretty light colored for a IPA. I tend to like it.
S: Pretty hoppy, with pine resin, herbs, and citrusy fruits. Nice.
T: Intense hop characters with orange peels and grassy notes, with a really bitter finish lasting for a while
O: Well done and true imo to the idea of an american IPA. I really prefered this one to the previous bitter beers made by Pit Caribou
Feb 04, 2012
3.77/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured in a spiegelau beer tasting glass
After the special bitter, and the english IPA, here comes the american IPA from this brewer located in Gaspésia.
A:Pours a clear golden yellow, pretty light colored for a IPA. I tend to like it.
S: Pretty hoppy, with pine resin, herbs, and citrusy fruits. Nice.
T: Intense hop characters with orange peels and grassy notes, with a really bitter finish lasting for a while
O: Well done and true imo to the idea of an american IPA. I really prefered this one to the previous bitter beers made by Pit Caribou
Feb 04, 2012
sdm9465 from Canada (NS)
4/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Aug 07, 2015
4/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Aug 07, 2015
FondueVoodoo from Canada (BC)
3.58/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Big thanks to seblp for including this in my canbif box
A: Deep amber with 2 fingers bone whit head
S: Sweet rock candy and pale maltiness followed quick with pine sap & citrus bitters highlighted with tropical fruit, mango.
T: A shot of pine sap supported with grapefruit bitters with a finish of medicinal leafy herbs, juniper berries and dandelion leaves.
M: Moderate body with light carbonation.
O: A hop forward IPA that is much more reminiscent of west coast than east coast flavours. The medicinal notes make this somewhat unique.
May 19, 2014
3.58/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Big thanks to seblp for including this in my canbif box
A: Deep amber with 2 fingers bone whit head
S: Sweet rock candy and pale maltiness followed quick with pine sap & citrus bitters highlighted with tropical fruit, mango.
T: A shot of pine sap supported with grapefruit bitters with a finish of medicinal leafy herbs, juniper berries and dandelion leaves.
M: Moderate body with light carbonation.
O: A hop forward IPA that is much more reminiscent of west coast than east coast flavours. The medicinal notes make this somewhat unique.
May 19, 2014
IPA Américaine from Microbrasserie Pit Caribou
Beer rating:
87 out of
100 with
54 ratings
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