Bogan's Walkabout ISA
West Sixth Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This poured with a light Orange/yellow hue with a thin wispy film of foam.

The nose was strong in dank herbaceous hops with a back of biscuity malt.

Unlike many "sessionable" IPA's this has a substantial malt backbone. The only problem is that my palate perceives the hop blend to be dank and herbaceous, not my favorite flavors.

The feel is bitter but drinkable, easy enough to drink but kind of dry.

This is not my favorite genre but this example is certainly more interesting than so many I've had and for that I give respect.

 

 

With the brewer's intent placed squarely on a hop-forward balance, their newest "session" IPA hosts a medley of all things citrus, tropical and winy that overshadows its tepid malt sweetness with ease. Though stretching it a bit, the beer exceeds the alcohol range normally reserved for session ale and falls more in line with American pale ale thinking.

Its light copper body introduces the notion that its light body and hardly noticeable caramel underpinnings won't get in the way. Preferring instead for the juicy hop flavors to seduce the senses- pineapple, pink grapefruit, juniper and riesling all take part in shaping the ale's early impressions.

And with its graham cracker taste and caramel glimpses fading fast, the hops gain intensity, going from juicy, vibrant and bursting with ripeness and toward a drying fruity taste that's almost tangy like sherbet.

Quickly drying in finish, a honeycomb of malt and grain are mere shadows of its caramel tendencies; paving the way for a delicate but resinous finish. The beer simply dissolves upon the palate with effortless weight and ease.

As an unfailing choice, Bogan's Walkabout ISA is perfectly suited for satisfying the taste of hops without succumbing to the higher alcoholic effects that are normally associated with standard American IPA.