Organic Double Hazy IPA
London Brewing

473 mL can from the LCBO, included in the winter edition of London's Organic Mix Pack. Dated Sep 26 2023 and served barely chilled.

Pours a foggy, translucent medium gold colour, topped with an inch of foamy, bone white head that sizzles away within a matter of minutes. It leaves behind a generous collar of sudsy froth, with a filmy cap also remaining in place; a tight, quarter-inch band of lace clings to the glass. I'm getting floral, perfume-y hops on the nose, as well as hints of grapefruit, lemon peel, cantaloupe, stone fruit, bubble gum and sugar cookies. I would not describe the aroma as overtly hot or 'boozy', but it's obvious that this is a strong ale.

It's very smooth for a DIPA, and its flavours are approachable - 'juicy' might be a stretch, but the fruity hop notes do lean in that general direction. I'm getting notes of apricot, orange and grapefruit, with lesser hints of melon and indeterminate tropical fruit; these are backed by flavours of coarse grain and whole wheat bread. Finishes citrusy, with melon, grapefruit and sugar cookie together with a moderate amount of boozy-sweetness that dissipates into the aftertaste. Full-bodied, with a smooth, fluffy mouthfeel appropriate for the style; light carbonation gently prickles the tongue. Some might call this a dangerous beer, but I learned a long time ago to treat innocuous DIPAs with respect - experience is the best teacher, after all.

Final Grade: 3.9, a B+. London Brewing's Organic Double Hazy IPA is at least as good as their standard Organic Hazy IPA: obviously, this DIPA is a fair bit more warming, but I figure if you enjoyed the regular-strength version, you'll also enjoy this amped-up brew. Its hop flavours are fine, but I do feel that this brew lacks the intensity and/or 'oomph' I've come to expect from modern DIPAs - in other words, it's a low-key quaff, more drinkable than it should be, and definitely capable of sneaking up on you. Worth a try.