Rocket Fuel Cold IPA
Frank Brewing Co.

473 mL can from the LCBO; dated Dec 2 2025 and served barely chilled.

Pours a clear brassy golden colour, topped with just under two fingers of tight, foamy white head that settles off over the next several minutes. A broken ring of messy lace adheres to the glass, with a creamy collar and patchy cap lingering on the surface; looks good so far. Honeydew melon and tangerine on the nose, with very faint hints of blackberry and Concord grape juice.

Interesting flavours - I'm getting a vinous red grape note early on, with hints of melon, orange and redcurrant not far behind. The malt backbone is exceedingly clean and not a major factor, adding only a touch of grainy sweetness. Finishes with a flash of hop resin and grape skin; a little bitter on the tail end, fading to off-dry in the aftertaste. Medium in body, with moderate carbonation that gently agitates the surface of the palate; crisp for an IPA, with well-integrated alcohol and exceptional drinkability at 7%.

Final Grade: 3.98, a worthy B+. I have tried maybe a dozen or so different cold IPAs over the last several years, and in all honesty, I barely remember anything about any of them. Frank's Rocket Fuel is a deviation from that norm: its currant-like, vaguely vinous features, courtesy of the Enigma hops, are novel & memorable. Paired with a clean, practically dry finish and virtually no sign whatsoever of that 7%, you've got the makings of a pretty darn good IPA. While the fact that this can is only a couple of weeks old is most likely helping its case, this is an undoubtedly cra-zappy brew that made my feet stank. DAMN!

From a 473ml can dated 05 01 26. Pored into a pint glass. A big one finger fine white head on a slightly foggy gold. Good head retention. The head slowly diminishes slowly to a thin layer. Lots of fine lacing.

A clean citrus hop aroma. Some grape. A nice clean taste. Some grape. Subtle notes of melon and orange. A dry softly bitter hop finish.

Medium body and carbonation. An interesting and well crafted Cold IPA. Well worth a try.

At my lady Pamela's house; canned and chilled, 473mL in a pint glass. From my favourite LCBO at Tecumseh Mall in nearby Windsor. Canned December 2/25. My 14th beer from the nearby Tecumseh, Ontario brewery, and 3rd for 2026. Adamantly adored by Sundae the cat...