Shadow of the Moon
Pure Project

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: New England Triple / Imperial IPA
Glass: Pure Project 16-oz. brandy snifter glass
Price: $27 for a 4-pack
From: From: Pure Project Brewing in Balboa Park (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Jan. 21, 2021
Consumed: Jan. 21, 2021
Misc.: No canned on date

Instantly knew I wanted a 4-pack of this when I saw that it was coming out maybe a week out for Pure Project’s fifth anniversary. The Facebook description was “For our 5th anniversary, we wanted to challenge ourselves as a craft brewery and push the limits of our fermentation skills. Coming in at 15% ABV, this murky quintuple IPA is the strongest beer we have ever brewed at Pure Project. Featuring our five favorite hops--Nelson Sauvin (Freestyle Hops, NZ), Strata (Indie Hops, OR), Mosaic (Loftus Ranches, WA), Citra (Wyckoff Farms, WA), and Cashmere (Gooding Farms, ID)--Shadow of the Moon is a true celebration of hops and the farmers who grew them. At 8 pounds of hops per barrel, this is easily the most heavily dry hopped beer we have made. The result? A subtly warming and stunningly smooth brew bursting with notes of ripe pineapple, honeydew, and a whole lot of dank. Cheers to five years!”

Poured a light golden murky color with 2-to-3 fingers of frothy white head. Could see a few bubbles coming up along the sides of the glass. World-class spotty lacing. Perfect retention. (Sight - 4.75)

Smelled pretty damn smooth from the get-go for a 15 pct. ABV IPA. Nelson jumped out to me, followed by Strata, weed, melon, pineapple, wet grass, dank pine, caramel, herbal, dry Mosaic, mixed berry, grapefruit and a little bit of Citra. Just as good out of the can. (Smell - 4.50)

First thought on the taste was how smooth it was for 15 pct. ABV. I mean, it was boozy, but not 15 pct. boozy. In order got Nelson, Strata, weed, pineapple, wet grass, melon, dank pine, peppery spice, herbal, Mosaic, mixed berry, grapefruit, caramel and a little bit of Citra. (Taste - 4.25)

Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth finish. (Feel - 5.00)

Damn. For a 15 pct. hazy QIPA this was world-class. Glad I have two more of these after giving one to Chad. Excited to see how this develops over the next two weeks. (Overall - 4.50)

4.47 | 99 | A

 

Amazing how Pure is always able to get away with making high octane IPAs and hold up drinking like a soft juicy IPA. This is not a novel achievement but could very well become its own distinct style. All hail the Quintuple.