India Pale Ale Stella
The Kernel Brewery

 

 

 

 

A 330ml bottle with a BB of Sept 2012 (bottled May 2012). Acquired from Trembling Madness in York. Bottle conditioned. Based on the label, this is hopped solely with Stella.

Poured into a Delirium chalice. A hazy orange-amber hue with decent carbonation and copious yeast sediment that slowly darkens the glass. Produces a large head of creamy off-white foam with good retention; this slowly subsides to a pervasive surface layer. Aroma of intensely fruity hops - grapefruit, melon, peach, citrus, tropical fruit - all mingling beautifully. This is underpinned by faintly grainy caramel malt, hints of yeast and a warming whiff of alcohol.

Tastes of sweet caramel malt with a fruity hop character and a spicy bitter finish. Notes of aromatic hops dominate; grapefruit, melon, citrus and tropical fruit. In the background lurk hints of earthy yeast and grain, along with solventy booze. A strident, dry bitterness upon swallowing. Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and spicy, with good body. Could be a bit more carbonated. Quite astringent. Aftertaste of bitter aromatic hops and yeast.

Tasty stuff - an excellent IPA. Lots of fruity hop character, sweet malt and a balanced bitterness. The only weakness is the slight lack of carbonation, which would improve the texture. But this is minor quibbling - grab one if you see it and drink it down!

Bottle 330ml poured into my bruery tulip glass

Clear medium to dark orange yellow colour with a large to huge, frothy to creamy, good lacing, mostly to fully lasting, off-white head. Aroma is moderate malty, caramel, toasted, moderate to heavy hoppy, citrus, grapefruit, peach, flowers, fruit. Flavour is simaler to the nose , moderate to heavy sweet and bitter with a long duration. Body is medium, texture is oily,
medium carbonation