Evil Archie's Red IPA
Mismatch Brewing Company

Red IPAs. I love ‘em. At the moment Aussie brewers are standing tall on the shoulders of giants like Modus Former Tenant, Prancing Pony India Red Ale, and KAIJU! Hopped Out Red Ale to name just a few. There’s certainly no shortage of great Red IPAs here. Mismatch is the latest to throw their hat in the ring with Evil Archie's Red IPA - an evil twin to Archie’s Red Ale. I haven’t been blown away yet by Mismatch’s brews, head brewer Ewan Brewerton obviously has talent... and an appropriate surname, however I get the impression that he’s holding back. Which isn’t ideal when you’ve got locals like Pirate Life and Prancing Pony - you need something BIG to go up against them. Here’s hoping Evil Archie is that BIG beer.

Poured from a 375ml can into a nonic pint.

A: Hazed rust-tinged amber body with a sticky beige head that leaves latticework lace on the side of the glass and provides a nice compact blanket on top. Looks pretty damn tasty - as most Red IPAs do. Love the latticework lace - good proteins right there. 9/10.

S: Piney/floral hops mingle with a touch of papaya and a solid caramel/biscuit base. Not quite as earthy as other Aussie Red IPAs. The aroma is full and tantalising with plenty going on. There’s little to detract from/critique with an aroma this good... let’s move on then. 9/10.

T: Piney hops, a touch of papaya, mid palate caramel/biscuit malts, finish is has a herbal bitter note. The aroma had a bit more going on than the flavour presents, it’s a solid brew but not as complex as my above noted favourites (the Modus, Prancing Pony and KAIJU! Red Ales). Aftertaste is herbal/piney. Not bad, just needs a bit more hop complexity. 7/10.

M: Medium bodied with some hop oiliness and a dense, almost creamy carbonation, great job here Mismatch! 9/10.

D: Mismatch’s best brew for me - and their biggest thus far (see Mr. Brewerton... still can’t get over that name... anyway, BIG beers are the key - to my heart at least). Flavour needs a touch of adjustment, it’s almost there, maybe a dry hop with some Mosaic or Amarillo will get it up towards Former Tenant greatness (oh and another 1% on the ABV... but then Mismatch lose the joke in the name, tough call there). I’m pretty tempted to get another 4-pack of this - it’s Red IPA season here. 8/10.

Food match: I’ve got a fetta, rocket, walnut and prosciutto pizza in mind for this.