Batteries Not Included
Finback Brewery - Glendale

 

I think I might pass out. Nah, not because of how good this beer is, but because it's a new-ish Finback IPA and I wasn't the one to add it to BA. I guess it's been out over two weeks now, so it's "old"? Kidding aside, this one seems like it'll be pretty fun: an 8.2% hazy DIPA w/ Nelson, Azacca, and Citra. I've seen my opinion of Azacca turn around a bit recently because I've had some good beers that utilize it alongside other solid varietals, so hopefully this will be a similar deal.

Pours a very hazy (but not totally opaque) golden-yellow color with a massive head of bone-white foam building up to almost four fingers in my glass upon my initial pour. The lacing it leaves behind is kind of soapy and inconsistent, but it retains well and has good legs. After almost five minutes in my glass after the initial pour, there are still two fingers of solid foam here, so the stability is quite nice. A good-looking IPA, overall.

The nose is pretty plain and boring for a Finback IPA, honestly. I hate that I immediately jump to blaming Azacca for this, but I guess I've already disclosed my bias, so it is what it is. Tangerine and orange slices with hints of grapefruit and light minerality. A touch of white grape must and peach, as well. This is kind of wine-like, actually... almost like a very subtle riesling.

On the tongue, this is pretty crisp and dry, which is nice, but the flavor profile is not really hitting me in any particularly interesting way. I get slight notes of mango and white wine with a light touch of stone fruits, grassiness, and some orange peel-type bitterness. The bitterness in the finish feels aggressive compared to what I expected (though this would be maybe a bit more juicy), and while that's not exactly unwelcome, it definitely seems at-odds with what I traditionally think this brewery excels at. As it warms a bit, I get some guava and pomelo here, and in general, the flavor sees a bit of an improvement, but overall, this isn't one of my favorite Finbacks in recent memory. Still worth a shot, as it might just not really be my thing.