Caribbean Crusher
Black Hops Brewing

Doesn’t say “New England” anywhere on the can, but for all intents and purposes “Hazy IPA” comes across as pretty NEIPA to me. Well what have we here Mr. Black Hops? Back from their recent controversial P-Juice Poem Post (their PJPP), and having read the second apology they issued for their mistake I feel that Black Hops have learnt a lesson and we can all move on now. So when this new (formerly Recon Series) beer dropped into my local it was a simple insta-buy for me. Brewed with citrus, pineapple, mango and coconut-infused Mt Gay Black Barrel Rum – this sounds like having a relaxing time in a beach chair watching the sun set and drinking an island cocktail in a coconut shell (don’t forget the little drink umbrella!): sweet!

Poured from a 375ml can into a nonic pint.

A: The haze is strong with this one. Cloudy mango-coloured body with a foamy off-white head that soon drops back leaving little lace and a thin patchwork of bubbles on top. Seen better, seen worse, seen purple-monkey-dishwashers. 7/10.

S: Spicy green papaya, mango, and sour pineapple hops to the fore, vanilla and woody notes from the rum. They nailed that Caribbean cocktail vibe – I’m suddenly wearing white shorts, loafers, a Hawaiian shirt and a captains hat, and I don’t even know how or why this has happened. Brilliant aroma here. 10/10.

T: Juicy and vibrant green hops (this was canned 2 days ago so no surprises there!) with the above mentioned green papaya, mango, sour pineapple, vanilla and woody tones throughout the flavour profile. Malt presents as a wafer-thin cracker, adds dryness but doesn’t really bring anything else to the table. Balance is more towards dry/bitter with a spicy/grassy aftertaste. There is a sense that this is missing a touch of sweetness – to really give it that cocktail vibe, but otherwise this is a solid brew. Probably needs to sit in the fridge for a week or 2 – these hops are green as. 8/10.

M: Mouthfeel could be a bit more lush too – mid to light bodied with a thin but fizzy carbonation. 7/10.

D: Wow this brew reminds me so much of their G.O.A.T. NEIPA that I wouldn't be surprised if that is the base beer. TBH the flavour profile of this was a bit too much towards dry (just like G.O.A.T.) and shows that BH are still lagging behind CoConspirators, Hop Nation and 3 Ravens when it comes to balancing a great NEIPA (which should be a touch on the sweet side of sweet/bitter without cloying). It’s a tough balance to find and BH are still finding their feet here. 7/10.

Food match: Did someone say luau!?! No? Oh well then… *kicks up dust*