Illusion IPA
Refuge Brewery

 

 

 

 

Quite handsome in appearance. Orangey golden color with a long-lived foam in the tall Maredsous goblet. Pleasantly carbonated in the mouth with a rather light body. Appealing wheaty and spicy clove aroma.

The serious clove taste is a little distracting. Quite bitter yeasty finish. To me this tastes a lot stronger than the ABV would indicate, and it tastes like a strong golden ale jacked up with some hops. Very fragrant nose as you sip with a flowery flavor. Quite tangy with some pine and lime peel hints.

An interesting hybrid of the Belgian and West Coast styles. Very spicy but thoroughly drinkable. From the growler filled yesterday at the brewery in Temecula.

 

On tap at Refuge Brewery – Temecula, CA
Notes from 08/18/13 - 4oz taster

A: Light caramel amber body, much like a burnished golden hue. Semi transparent in appearance with a quarter finger of paper white froth that slowly sinks away from the core clinging onto the glass after each sip.

S: Light caramel malt sweetness meets citrus and piney hops with some nice Belgian yeast character by way of spice coriander, clove, and a touch of banana peel. The yeast is rather subdued and aroma is fairly nice overall.

T: Slight caramel malt sweetness with a modest Belgian yeast spicing and big west coast IPA influence of lemony citrus hops, pine resin, and earthy herbs. Subtle with the banana and clove which is nice. There is a moderate to lower level of actual perceived bitterness to the beer and the alcohol is really well incorporated making for some nice balance to the overall drink. Pretty solid Belgo-IPA.

M: Moderately sized body with a nice creamy smooth feel and light drying on the finish. There is a slight resinous after effect.

D: Really well balanced with nice drinkability. Nice hoppy presence with more of a subtle Belgian character to it. Rather enjoyable, would have again.

On-tap at the source itself, on to the beer:

Color is a little paler than bronzed orange. There are some yellow hues mixed in the body. Good lace and head retention on top. The aroma is medicinal and hoppy with kisses of pine, showing both the American way of hopping and the Belgian way of yeast. This IPA has a slightly sweet taste, mixed with an earthy flavor and fruity flavors of orange, passionfruit, and grapefruit. There is lingering hoppiness at the end. Sometimes you want your IPA to have a little more texture, and Illusion IPA takes up that challenge with its Belgian character.

On tap at Refuge Brewery in Temecula, CA.

Pours a clear orange with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, citrus zest, pine, and slight tropical fruit aromas. Taste is much the same with citrus zest and yeast flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.