The 87
Night Shift Brewing

 

 

 

 

Crisp start with a medium to strong hoppy finish. Strong aroma. Smooth swallowing and a big 8% abv in this dipa. Beautiful golden color. Taste gets hoppier with every sip.

Pours light amber tiny bit hazy. Smell of hops. Lite bitterness overall good easy drinking.

 

 

I disagree with this outstanding rating because there is more than a hint of that clove smell that you get when the yeast struggles. (No, I am not a save-the-yeast activist.) The same clove smell and taste that is found in Belgians, farmhouse, and others. I recently tossed a five gallon batch that I made because of this smell. I do not like that smell or taste outside of its zone - those European low country ales, or even in its zone. The combination of even a little clove and a lot of hops, for me, is unpleasant. I might have rated it a half point lower but I did finish the pint.

 

 

Pours a hazy orange. Thick foam. Sweet orange aroma. Sweet and spicy body. Fades to a mild bitterness. A little syrupy. Pretty good.

 

From the bottom of the can: "CANNED 04/12/22"

Appearance: The body is a dull and burnished gold color. It is mostly opaque but some shadows make it through. It has a large head with a slightly off-white head color. The bubbles are thick and soapy looking. It has very good retention and leaves nice lacing.

Aroma: It smells slightly floral, like wildflowers. There is a peppery note to the beer, and a light bit of cabbage aroma.

Taste: Up front it tastes like black pepper. As is approaches the middle of the mouth it takes on a waxy old chocolate flavor. It kind-of has an ant flavor. Towards the back of the mouth it has some cabbage flavor. Mint in the aftertaste which is nice.

Mouthfeel: It is on the lower edge of medium bodied with a slight syrupy texture. Moderately high grassy bitterness. It is a bit of a sipper.

Overall: The beer straddles the lower edge of average when it comes to a New England IPA. It is grassy and has cabbage aromas and what is left is mostly spicy pepper with a touch of old waxy chocolate flavor. It is an odd mix of flavors that isn't the greatest. It isn't one I would buy again or recommend but it is drinkable.

 

Had this at restaurants twice recently, both times reasonably fresh cans were served. Super solid IPA. Pretty pour, juicy aromas, very nice balance of juicy and little bitter fresh hop flavors, clean dry finish. Very enjoyable!

 

 

Excellent offering by these guys. Packs a decent punch at 8 percent abv. Def not an all day beer like whirlpool but I enjoy having a few along with lower abv ones