Mass Ascension
Ex Novo Brewing

Decent ipa, nothing stands out.

RB transfer

Thinking out of a small tumbler.
Pours a clear light copper with a moderate head.
Smells some of pine.
Fair mouth feel.
Somewhat bitter. Some hints of malt with sweet toffee.
Some bitterness.
Pretty good overall.

cool to get to drink a few cans from these guys in a recent session, i like what they do. i found this slightly catty and basic, but also drinkable and fairly modern in that the bitterness is restrained compared to the older school west coast types, a fine beer, but maybe not a standout at what i have to assume as suboptimal freshness. fairly clear and brassy golden in the glass with an average soft white head and slow fade, looks pretty well polished. aroma is the side of mosaic that gets a little pee-like, trace oxidation in here too, grapefruit and pine from the simcoe but this is well behind what the mosaic brings, light tangerine in the nose too, and a little biscuity depth to the grain despite being mild there too. the flavor shows good balance, some light early grain sweetness gives way to a little hop snap on the swallow, mosaic runs out in front of the others in here, but i get some woodsy piney gin-like vibes, and there is a bit of a resinous oily palate for a flash, a hint of honey and a floral thing with it, ever so slightly vegetal but not in the like dry hopped too many times way that is offensive, middle bodied, lively feeling, canned pineapple as it warms up, good but not amazing, cool packaging, but i think i had slightly higher hopes for this overall based on their reputation, not quite generic, and definitely well made, but not a game changer either...

 

Clear, golden body; coarse carbonation; excellent head, white, creamy textured, sculpted appearance. Wonderful scent; pine resin infused with floral notes; light, sweet malt undertone. Decent taste; thin malt grain base; bold hop bitterness. Medium body; crisp and coarse on the palate; sharp dryness.

The taste and mouthfeel come across weaker than the looks and smell, not quite delivering on the promise of the appearance and aroma. Still, this is a tasty enough American India pale ale. Its 6.9% ABV does necessarily make it crushable, but some of us our bold enough to do so (if need be).

ABV: 6.9%; pouring temperature: 46 °F; canning info: 05/17/24
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)

Guess it's retired, which explains its presence at the discount rack at my local food outlet.

Anyway, it pours a nice coppery color - not see-through. Full and fluffy white head.

Smell is a bit on the mellow end - some dank hop presence and a slight bit of citrus.

The taste is definitely dank, but it also has quite a bit of malt and resin. It's not over the top in terms of hops, but it's tasty.

Medium-bodied and a slight bit buttery or creamy. But I like its smoothness and drinkability.

I like this beer. I won't be getting it again, probably, since it is no longer being brewed. Too bad, It would be a nice one to have on hand after a day of work - a good regular-drinking beer.

 

 

Bought 4 pack of 16 oz. Cans in Red River. I really enjoy this IPA. I prefer it to New Belgium’s Voodo Ranger.

This is a NM exclusive, 16oz, canned on May 25th 2023

On the pour 3 fingers of fluffy, but structured bone white head formed, then over a few minutes recedes to a decently thick covering that forms thick, but sporadic lacing. Body is a nicely clear deep gold.

Aroma is dank and hoppy up front but as I drink the aroma starts becoming more solidly malty. The hops are mostly throwing dank amd tropical notes. Malt comes off as mild, but present and doughy.

The flavor follows the aroma, but the hops and malts meld together here forming an almost sweet fruit bread with a hop/dank infusion. Bitterness isn't very big here, and doesn't seem to creep in either. There is some bitterness in the back, but the malts largely counter it, however the hop flavor does build.

The feel is surprisingly drinkable and dry with a smooth feeling finish. Very easy to put down for being almost 7% ABV.

Overall, I've had better IPAs, but I've also had a lot worse from craft breweries. Not the most hoppy flavor, but I appreciate the full malts.

 

 

From a pint can brewed in Corrales, NM. Clear orange color with a of layer of fluffy white head. Pine and grassy hop aroma. Medium body and sticky feel. Cracker make with a pine and grass hop finish. Tasty!

Picked up a four pack of cans; brewed in Corrales, NM with a canned on date of 10/14/2022.

Pours a crystal clear golden copper in color with two fingers of frothy head on the pour, dissipating to a nice layer with good lasting potential. Plenty of lacing as you drink. Carbonation looks a tick above average with large bubbles rising up from the bottom of the glass. Pretty on point for an American IPA.

Aroma is citrus and fruity hops, but this one is not overly aromatic. Fair to call it subtle. Grapefruit, orange, a hint of cereal grains in the background (becomes more predominant as it warms).

Very nicely balanced on the palate. There is a solid, roasted cereal maltiness throughout supporting the cast of citrusy hops. Grapefruit pith, lemon, some stone fruit, some pine towards the swallow. The taste is actually reminiscent of the now infamous Sculpin IPA, but more subdued. Alcohol is masked very nicely.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a solid amount of creaminess and slightly zesty carbonation. It's not very chewy but it drinks very smooth and finishes a tad dry on the tongue. Very drinkable for an almost 7% ABV.

Overall this is a very solid, balanced American IPA. I don't find it overly complex or unique, but it's quite drinkable and even fairly refreshing. Not going to wow you, and if you're looking for something extremely hoppy, this is not it. Not sure if I'd pick this up again, but it's definitely worth trying. Cheers!

incredible pour, solid gold look, great floral/citrus smell. The thing that stands out is it is sooo smooth. from 1st drop to end, wonderful taste. Super solid IPA