The Fallen
Illumination Brewing / Funk Brewing

Thanks to Ozzylizard for this one, from his box during NBS BIF #14. 16oz can (batch #155) poured into 14oz teku. Poured a murky orange color (called a WCIPA on the label, but this clearly in NEIPA territory visually) with about an inch and a half of fluffy white head that had good retention and very light lacing.

The aroma had musty hops upfront with some citrus hoppiness in the background. No real malt or grain component.

On the tongue, the big C-hop citrus and bitterness were the lead actors, with some soft frootiness in the background. Again, no grain/malt base.

The body was medium, had some nice coarseness, and a semi-dry finish.

Drinkability was good, no issues finishing it, but I wasn't left really craving another one.

Overall, a pretty solid beer, although a rather unremarkable one. YMMV. Worth a shot if you see it.

Look: It pours golden with some hazing. It has a will, pillow like head with excellent head retention.

Smell: It has citrus aromas with floral and pine. There is a touch of grainy sweetness and hints of grass.

Taste: The floral is a bit more forward in the flavor with citrus and pine. There is a bit of grainy sweetness with some light grassy elements.

Feel: It has a medium body with a medium low amount of bitterness.

Overall, although the lines are blurred between pale ales and some IPAs, this taste more like a pale ale. There are some good flavor combos, but it is a bit mild on the bitterness.

16oz can from Tavour. Pale golden, hazy, one finger fluffy head. Sweet, citrusy aroma, lemons, pineapple. Taste is sweet and dry, zesty citrus. Finishes fast.

Pours a hazy light amber golden color with a nice head and lacing
Aroma has citrus, tropical and pine hints
The taste follows the nose with a pleasant citrus, tropical and pine flavors
A medium bodied decently carbonated beer
A nice West Coast style IPA

 

 

What has fallen into a clear Imperial pint glass? 'Tis the contents of a pint can of this brew. The color is a dirty dark amber with a slight off-white head. A very strong and sharp hop aroma has also been released. Although there is a light sweetness up front, things quickly switch to an earthy hoppiness. Very little glass lacing is produced. The hop combination is good, mostly earthy, but with some dry edges. The finish has some of that sharp bitterness that disappears cleanly. Not close to any of the piney or resinous aspects of a good WCIPA, this is only an average AIPA.

 

Really hazy for a West Coast IPA. More than just unfiltered. Nice dense, long lasting head. Overall it does not look horrible like a lot of hazys. Pleasant aroma of fresh citrus, Juicy Fruit gum, and flowers. Bitterness is not on a level of the classics of the style which does not come as a surprise anymore. Flavors of citrus, tropical fruit, and melon. Soft mouthfeel and carbonation. To me this beer is closer to style to NE IPA than WC IPA. Still a good beer with nice hop flavors.

Poured into a pint glass: color is straw gold, a little opaque, head is brighter white with fine to small bubbles, head presents 1/2 inch thick and lingers with frothy mixed top and nice lacing.

Smell is light malt, some biscuit, then lighter hop aromas - fairly classic with citrus, pine, earth - not over done or overpowering but enticing.

Taste is similar - light malt, some toast and biscuit, then assertive hop notes of citrus, pine, earth, light herbal character.

Mouthfeel is moderately carbonated, light sweetness, moderate/assertive bitterness.

Overall a good IPA, slightly subdued aroma but classic ipa styled hop and malt flavors, with warmth a get a softer malt/oat/wheat like note.