Dog Zebra IPA
The Bold Mariner Brewing Company

 

I don't see any date code listed on the can or label.

Appearance: The beer is the color of fiery gold and amber with brilliant clarity. The beer has a gorgeous color. The head is an off-white color similar to a tobacco stained yellow-tan, which is somewhat fluffy although short in stature. It has decent head retention and a few wisps of lacing. The real showcase in the appearance is the color and clarity.

Aroma: It has a floral scent similar to wildflowers with notes of candied orange peel. The aroma is nice but very mild.

Taste: Candied orange peel up front with a touch of orange zest in the middle with hints of lemon and lime. It is a very clean tasting beer that focuses mostly on citrus flavors. The flavors are nice but also very simple.

Mouthfeel: It feels very clean which is highly noteworthy and impacts drinkability dramatically. The beer has good carbonation. Bitterness is very low to the point where it's barely at pale ale levels. The cleanliness and drinkability of the beer are doing the heavy lifting here when it comes to mouthfeel; the lack of bitterness is disappointing but it is still rewarding to drink.

Overall: It's a strange beer that has the makings of a much better beer if the bitterness were kicked up. I wouldn't have a problem drinking it again but it isn't something I'm likely to buy given how lackluster it is when it comes to flavor, aroma, and especially bitterness. The beer feels exceptionally clean and it has some nice character, but that also isn't enough to recommend it.

 

 

 

Poured a cloudy gold body with minimal head and lace ring down the glass. The aroma is packed with citric hops but there are hints of caramel malt and grapefruit hop sweetness. Thicker bodied IPA that has good amount of caramel malt/grapefruit sweet flavor but still gives off a biting citric hoppiness and finishes dry. Well-balanced beer that is an easy to drink and sweeter than usual high ABV IPA.