Shark Ripper
Black Raven Brewing Co.

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Dark golden body, one finger frothy white head. Aroma is stone fruit and citrus. Taste turns more to the citrus, zesty notes, stone fruit, mild dryness. Taste fades quickly, bitterness remains. A big fruity blast up front that simmers down.

collaboration with firestone walker, oddly generic and pedestrian given their involvement, but a fine ipa all up, just unremarkable in some ways, i guess its subtle compared to my expectations, not bad at all in any way, but when i see firestone on something i expect elite and distinct. this is tasty and clean, slightly fuller bodied, perhaps wheat based in a higher than normal proportion for what is basically a mild west coast type. medium golden colored, average white head, pretty clear but without a ton of sparkle, looks fine. the aroma and flavor are understated to me, and it seems to kind of get a late start, like the front end of this is almost overly mellow, some cleanish citrus up front is about all, then a graham cracker sort of malt note carrying a lot of body in the center, then a later hop climax with some grapefruit zest, bitter orange, and dried floral aspects, maybe a hint of that catty mosaic character, although im not sure what hops are in here, and its relatively quick finishing for feeling as round and full as it does. i like the smoothness of the mouthfeel, but its a bit uninteresting overall, i just expected a little more, much as this is a decent pint. enhanced by some primetime buffalo cauliflower wings, seemed to like the spice. north of just okay but less than spectacular for sure...

Canned Aug 7th. Pour is a unfiltered amber, thick and frothy head. Nose is floral / earthy from the Mosaic and Citro hops. Taste is nicely flavored, well-balanced with the hops and a solid malt base. As expected from collab with the formidable Firestone Walker brewery, you are rewarded with a very well crafted beer. Refreshing and crushable.