Cosmic Collaboration: Summer IPA
Ecliptic Brewing

 

thought i has missed this one, as summer is winding down and its been awhile since i have seen the cans around, thanks to my brother in law for scoring and sharing this, two of the greats getting together! i thought this would be a lot lighter, being called a summer ipa, its super hazy and quite dense to drink, even a little unrefined and tired in the glass, although this is definitely ageing right now, some oxidation weighing it down in aroma and in flavor, but there isnt much light and easy about this, not sure where the summer moniker is supposed to manifest. the abv is nice and low, could be that, although you wouldnt necessarily know that drinking it, it presents a little heavy to me. the nose hints at tropical fruit, maybe thats it, kiwi and cantaloupe and sweet orange, just a touch green still, but also getting older, some bitterness seems apparent, and here is an almost english aspect to the ferment to my senses. the flavor is brighter than the nose, some stone fruit and peachy character, a little juiciness even though its no longer fresh, some weediness too, and a lot of starchy malt that doesnt carry as much flavor as it does body. the overall refinement here seems less than anticipated from these two, but again it could be a product of age and i cant be too harsh on that. the hop profile is jovial and summery enough for the name to work, and even though it could be drier and lighter, i think it comes close. love the can art on this too. am i just fatigued on the hazy stuff now? i expected a little more from this...

 

Pours a murky orangey color with plenty of foam in the New Belgium snifter. Smells of citrus. Sudsy on the tongue with murk and acidity. Tastes of old citrus, yeasty sediment. Long very bitter finish with the acidity and astringent aftertaste. Seems fruity and interesting to start, and then down the long slide to harsh and unpleasant.

Label doesn't mention it's in the hazy style. Collaboration with Georgetown Brewing. Hops listed as Strata and Idaho 7. From the 16 oz can purchased at the Community Co-op in Bellingham. Strange and unreadable stamp on the bottom. Possibly an interplanetary message.

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Hazy golden pour, towering fluffy white head. Light tropical fruit in the aroma. Taste is more tropical fruit supported by some hefty bready malts. Dries out at the finish.

 

Fresh 16oz can pours much more hazy and golden than I expected for a summer IPA - I had assumed lighter on the malt bill with the abv of this one. Deep golden hue, opaque, with a moderate white head. Very juicy on the nose and palate with immediate impressions of mango to go along with a soft tropical vibe, fairly generic. Flash of bitterness on the palate, with a mouthfeel that makes me think that they listed the abv too low on this can. Very 'juicy' overall, but not quite what I was expecting.