Fat Tug IPA
Driftwood Brewery

LeBron_James from Canada (ON)

4.41/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours an apple juice colour with nice full head and leaves a ton of lacing. Totally clear no haze at all.
Smells of hops mostly with some nice bready malt character in the background and lots of spruce/earthy character.
Tastes of a very good west coast IPA. Tons of hops up front with a nice malt to balance out the bitterness a little. Lots of pine/earthy tones. Very nice taste super enjoyable beer.
The mouthfeel on this is very nice. Medium body with medium carbonation and drinks very well. Great beer.

Overall I think this is the best west coast IPA in Canada but maybe I'm crazy or have a weird palette. Anyway Driftwood is clearly very good at making IPAs and I'd recommend this one to those who haven't tried it yet.

Mar 16, 2021

Beershaker from Canada (ON)

3.28/5  rDev -23.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 1

Look: Clear and golden. It says unfiltered on the can, so I didn’t really expect such a clear beer. Head goes away quickly.

Smell: Smells hoppy. Smells pine.

Taste: I like the bitterness. About the same level of bitterness as Boneshaker (IBU around 80). I didn’t really taste other aroma other than pine.

Feel: Adequate amount of carbonation, but feels a bit sticky in the mouth.

Overall: I was expecting a lot from this beer due to the positive reviews. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in both the look and the taste. LookS nothing like it says on the can, and tastes too simple (bitterness only).

Bloody hell. This beer gave me hangover.

Dec 26, 2020

HopMaester from Canada (ON)

4.05/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Superb lacing & pours golden pale in the glass! I would have liked the color to be darker
Great Hoppy smell
Good IPA. Just the way an IPA should be ! Nice mouthfeel
Maybe not everyday drinking, but kick back on a friday after work to have get a nice buzz going!

May 02, 2020

ben741 from Canada (ON)

4.31/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Definitely an old school West Coast IPA with pronounced malt with the hops. I like the balance on this more than some of the other Similar Canadian Beer like Boneshaker or Mill Street West Coast.

Feb 12, 2020

Alex_HB

4.81/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

I’m biased because I live in Victoria but I’ve honestly never had a better NW IPA. It has some malty notes that are missing from other similar hop bombs that really make it co ole. Yet drinkable. A 7.5% ale that’s sessionable - just make sure you don’t have anywhere to be the next day though!

Jan 26, 2020

TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)

4.17/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Crystal clear pale golden in the glass with a finger of white head and nice lacing.
Aroma starts tropical with strong notes of pineapple, orange, mango. Hoppy with cereal malt backing and a touch of evergreen.
Grapefruit flavours start - dominant hop - bright and bitter - citrus and resinous pine - bitterness builds but enough balancing malt sweetness.
Medium mouthfeel - a bit of warming booziness but lingering hop bitterness carries through past the liquid in the glass.

Dec 31, 2019

altstadt from Canada (BC)

3.94/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Clear amber color. Poured a head of medium sized bubbles. No lacing. Very few bubbles rising.

Very hoppy smell with some yeast and a hint of barnyard. Swirling the glass kicked up a yeasty bread and malt smell with a bit more barnyard.

Starts with a very smooth malt flavor that evolves to bitters and hoppy flavors. The aftertaste is mostly bitter hops with a touch of barnyard.

Tongue tingling as it bursts into a thick foam. Much more carbonation in the mouth than appears in the glass. Medium heavy body, mostly from the feel of the dense foam.

Excellent balance of flavors pushes through the very hoppy base. This is a good reference for an IPA. If there was no barnyard at all I would have bumped this Overall rating to 5.

Oct 25, 2019

chinchill from South Carolina

3.88/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Swans Brewery taproom on Vancouver Island.
Pours clear golden with excellent clarity and a durable head.
The aroma is hippy and complex. The flavor is milder than the aroma suggests.
Near moderately strong flavor for style and moderate bitterness.

Jun 04, 2019

arizcards from North Carolina

3.77/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Enjoyed an imperial pint at Milestones on Victoria B.C.'s inner harbor for $5.50 CD on 5-23-19.

Beer was served golden with a nice white head that left rings in my pint.

Nose was of some citrus and tropical hops.

Taste was some grapefruit and papaya over a medium malt base. Finish was moderate pine; 4/10 on the bitterness scale.

Mouthfeel was medium bodied and pretty refreshing.

Overall a decent beer that was fun to try.

May 24, 2019

NordicIslander from Canada (SK)

4.09/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Fridge bound for 3 hours then poured into a tulip. Deep golden hue. Pleasing white, frothy 2 finger foam. Hoppy goodness abounds but no lingering aftertaste. Each mouthful finishes clean with no burn or shuddering because of bitterness. ZERO boozieness taste but a definite hop smash.

May 23, 2019

kemoarps from Washington

4.17/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Beautiful crisp clear light amber the colour of apple juice. Fluffy white head with sticky lacing.

Nose has a lead in of sweet malts... can't quite nail it down. It's got elements of honey and caramel and berry juiciness. Blends in to the hop notes of floral and nectar and some earthy dankness into pine. There's something unique in there though that I can't quite nail down.

The sip brings more of the hop character forward with citrus and some earthy hop notes that aren't quite pine aren't quite grassy, maybe almost kind of floral in the delicate nature... and eventually ending up in pine and citrus. Nice dull bitter finish that lingers.

Super smoothe, this thing is disappearing from my glass more quickly than I intend. Very easy to drink, though the alcohol, while not exorbitant by any means, does start to creep in towards the bottom of the glass.

Another enjoyable Canadian brew from my recent trip north of the border.

Feb 28, 2019

Beginner2 from Illinois

3.59/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

On tap @ Tap & Barrel North Vancouver (a spectacular repurposing of building that served shipbuilders).
I know this is Driftwood's money-maker, but Fat Tug has a bit too much bite for me. (80 IBU is well above my threshold.)

My first from Driftwood, I went on their website and found it interesting how they grew from a micro-micro on Vancouver Island to being competitive on the mainland. Another beer story that is not done !

Nov 13, 2018

Bear1964 from Nebraska

3.98/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

I had this fresh from the tap in the Breakwater Bar and Grill (cafe) in Victoria BC, it was refreshing after a long day on the cruise ship. A lot of people expect a super hop bomb with every IPA and miss the true beauty of the style, this one was refreshing and had the perfect hop bite. While lacking much of a head the flavor was solid and had a medium mouthfeel with slightly firm aftertaste which cleared before the next sip, a very easy drinking brew that would be good anytime. Overall I enjoyed this beer and only wish I could’ve had a few more!

May 30, 2018

fsuturp from Florida

1.18/5  rDev -72.4%
look: 4 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1

I may have gotten an expired bottle. Not sure bc there was no date. This was undrinkable. Sorry. All I drink are ipa's. I know ipa! This was no ipa. Wish I could try a fresh one just to make sure. I had to pour this out.

Apr 20, 2018

StonedTrippin from Colorado

4/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

definitely one of the better hoppy beers i had in ontario last week, very west coast, which is a refreshing change of pace from the new school juice bomb wannabes and the overly english influenced examples of the style that seem far more common around the province. this is still pretty malty, with a light copper shine to it from the tap and plenty of body. its not sweet though, which is the key, and while there is of course a light crystal character to it, its simple and cleaned up well by the basically flavorless ale yeast. it would be bland or even dumbed down tasting to me if it werent for all these hops! huge aromatics of cut pine and tangerine rise up, something a little more tropical too, and a sweet oily freshness makes it sink in in the flavor, it comes early and stays late, and its backed up by fairly robust bitterness on the finish, still in nice balance, but this is more like a classic california ipa than anything else i found on my trip. drinkable for its strength and heft, felt kind of wintery to me, but its winter now, so that works. cool beer, maybe a little overrated as its not the most original thing out there, but its a darn fine beer. i wish i got my lips on more driftwood stuff while i was up there...

Feb 13, 2018

Beerbuds from Canada (ON)

3.93/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Looks radiantly cloudy yellow.

Smell: Piney with citrus notes and sweet melons

Taste: Tastes of pine up front that mellows into a sweet citrus/grapefruit and melon backbone.

Jan 14, 2018

Ciocanelu from Romania

4.3/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Clear golden color with white head. Aroma has some butter biscuits and resiny hops and some overripe tropical fruits. Taste follows with buttery notes but not in a bad way at all. Towards the finish it gets quite bitter with lingering grapefruit notes. Medium body and carbonation. Quite good overall, a more old school take on an IPA but I really enjoyed it.

Jan 08, 2018

macrosmatic from Florida

3.02/5  rDev -29.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.75

Reviewed from (long-standing) notes. Poured from a 22 oz. bottle into an unmarked pint glass.

A: Very hazy orange-gold, with a low level of visible carbonation after the initial blush fades. Forms about a finger’s worth of white head with good retention.

S: Citrus rind, sticky pine, and biscuit malts with significant amount of caramel sweetness. Smells like a standard of a bygone era of IPAs.

T: The bitterest of grapefruit pith, and caramelized malts with accompanying big malty sweetness. Resinous bitterness as well. There’s a weird vegetal flavor – I think it's coming from the hops, but it's unwelcome here...almost plasticky. A significant bitterness in the hang, but not completely over the top, with some citrus pith flavors.

M: Average body for style. The alcohol presence is low. Low carbonation sensation.

O: I was surprised to see the ratings this beer has. Maybe there was something wrong with this bottle, but this isn't good. It's not quite a drain pour to me, but it's an "actively avoid" in the way of advice. First, there are many better IPAs and DIPAs available wherever you live. Secondly, the hop profile is completely boring – or at least old-school – but not really well done even with that as a standard. Plus the caramel malts are my least favorite IPA character. Lastly, the weird vegetal/plasticky flavor is off-putting. I'm still not sure where it's coming from, but it's not good. Anyway, drinkable at best...but not by much.

Oct 28, 2017

Jtee from Canada (ON)

3.98/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

From a 650ml bottle served almost straight from the fridge at 10 degrees Celsius into a stemmed IPA glass. Best before date Dec.6.2017 which makes me think the bottle has been sitting at the LCBO shelves for a while. Out of the two dates I found this one was later in the year. Fingers crossed.

Look: The beer pours a slightly veiled amber with 6cm of moussy, rocky, tan head that settles into a craggy though solid cap within 5+ minutes. Good lacing with persistent retention. Great-looking beer.

Smell: Leaning towards mild intensity and sharp balance. Dominating hops with a faint, supportive pale malt. Pungent with resinous pine, citrusy grapefruit, and a faint, perfumy floral character. I really like it but I wish it hit me slightly harder. I'm also noticing a faint, fatty, cheesy off-note that makes me suspect a form of contamination. Since the bottle is only a few months away from expiry, who knows what the beer has gone through at this point.

Taste: Moderate strength and bitter. Very much in line with the aroma. Hop-forward with notes of resinous pine, citrusy grapefruit, and tropical fruit. The finish is of medium length and bitter with moderate intensity and a minute mineral character.

Feel: Medium body with moderate carbonation. Creamy and round with smooth alcohol warming that is light in character. The beer has quite a presence in the mouth.

Overall: A very good, clean American IPA with decent complexity and strong bitterness. Great value - try it if you're into the style. As I mentioned under the aroma, I suspect something is gone wrong with this sample. I'm looking forward to trying the beer fresh and possibly rating it even higher.

Sep 11, 2017

Mysticmage from Canada (ON)

4.34/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

A really nice surprise. Pours golden hay with decent head that lasted fairly well. Very good nose! Fruity florals and a solid presence. Tastes true IPA solid bitter and solid body. Heavy sedimentation so didnt pour all and would recommend a slow pour for those for whom sludge is a turn off. Does pour clear with slow, staggered pour into tulip glass. Sediment will be contained this way. well done B.C!

Sep 01, 2017

eberesford from Canada (ON)

4.19/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

650 ml bottle from Newfoundland Liquor Corporation: Pours a slightly misty straw yellow with a huge head that dissipates slowly leaving generous lacing. Aroma is intense grapefruit some pine notes malt sweetness almost indistinguishable at these hopping rates. In the flavour the hoppiness adds a slight grassiness. Citrus still dominant but the bitterness is pretty clean through the mouth and now some sweetness appears - mostly melon and honey. This is a beer for hopheads without doubt but that does not mean that it is uncomplicated. This beer is strong and hoppy but not overwhelming. I am a little surprised to see it called a Northwestern IPA because its malt profile and appearance seem to me to be closer to a New England IPA.

Aug 26, 2017

MDrew from Canada (BC)

4.51/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a local IPA for me. It's an intense hop-heavy IPA with a bright nose and strong malt backbone. It's like eating a grapefruit dipped in caramel. I admire Driftwood for putting something so hoppy out there for those of us who really enjoy our hop flavour.

Jul 09, 2017

KTCamm from New Jersey

4.28/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

5/19/17...pours cloudy bronze, with hefty white foam, about a 1/4 inch thick. Sharp pointed nose. Grassy and citrus. Loads of bitter hop, juicy, and they spill into a tight malt backbone. Buried toffee smooths it out. Solid.

Jun 04, 2017

TheManiacalOne from Rhode Island

4.03/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep gold color, with a medium off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains grassy hops, citrus and caramelized malts.

T: The taste starts out with a strong burst of grassy hops bitterness. Then some mildly sweet flavors of caramel and citrus come in. The malt character is hearty and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly hoppy and slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is clean for the style.

O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, good kick, good representation of style, this is a solid IPA to drink for a while.

May 25, 2017

dbl_delta from Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On tap at Cardero's in Vancouver, BC. Pours a slightly hazy amber with a nice off-white head. Initial impresson is malt sweetness with citrus and resinous hops underlying. Finish is a little sweet. Would be exceptional if the malt were dialed back a bit.

May 24, 2017