Death Ronin (Ghost 988)
Adroit Theory Brewing Company

16oz can from Adroit Theory. Clear, pale golden , skin of head, white ring. Hoppy aroma, piney, citrus. Taste starts off like pils, grainy, malty, crisp. Hops return for the finish. Nice.

 

 

 

 

Knowing death is inevitable, why not get at least a taste now. To do so required pouring the contents of a pint can into a clear glass liter mug. Like many in the West Coast style, this isn't in it to look differently. It's a solid bright and relatively light amber, closer to translucent than opaque. Its modest head receded to a scant reminder that will probably last through the consumption of the pint. Not as pungent as most West Coast IPAs, it still brings some subdued piney hops for the nose. Unfortunately, subdued is the word for the taste. There's very little malt character other than some simple sweetness. It turns mildly bitter at the finish, but only mildly. OK, there is modest glass lacing, but not enough to make this pour worthwhile. Way too thin for the palate and far too low in hop delivery, this recipe and label won't be missed.

Undated can into pint glass. Pours a clear gold with a minimal off-white head. Good lacing. Initial impression is pine resin and grapefruit rind - spot on for a West Coast IPA. Mouthfeel is crisp and a little prickly. Finish is more citrus rind and pine, fading to a slight sweetness. Overall, a very good take on the style.