Freestyle Series Skadi IPA
The Collingwood Brewery

 

 

473 mL can from the LCBO; dated Jan 6 2022 and served slightly chilled. That label art is flippin' sweet.

Pours a hazy golden-amber colour, its body strewn with silty sediment; on the surface gathers an inch of loose, soapy white head that falls apart within five minutes or so, draping the glass with a curtain of beautiful lace as it recedes. Afterwards, a tight, creamy collar and frothy cap live on - it's a beautiful beer, that's for sure. The nose is interesting, yet subdued, including notes of apricot, melon, grapefruit and orange, with suggestions of passion fruit, papaya and flowery, perfumey hops.

This is a pretty darn good IPA. I'm getting apricot, grapefruit, orange and passion fruit, with hints of bready, lightly caramelized malts and melon. Increasingly floral and earthy towards the finish, with pine resiny bitterness lingering into the aftertaste alongside a touch of tropical fruit. Light-medium in body, with low carbonation that limply brushes against the surface of the palate; feels smooth, slick and soft on the tongue. The 7.2% is well hidden, but I wouldn't call this especially drinkable (i.e. one can is plenty).

Final Grade: 4.03, an A-. Collingwood's Skaði IPA was a pleasure to imbibe, and I plan to buy a few more cans while it's still available. Fruity at first, but pointedly bitter on the back end, with a mellow finish that leaves your taste buds begging for another sip - thoroughly enjoyable, and one of those cases where 'hazy' doesn't equate to 'NEIPA' - its bitterness is substantial, to say the least. Highly recommended.

Pours a hazy dark yellow colour, medium head. Juicy and hoppy on the smell. Very hoppy on the taste but it blends well with the other flavours; citrus, cut grass and a bit of dandelion. The alcohol seems to be somewhat hidden
March 1 2022