Given the Circumstances
Market Brewing Company

 

 

 

473 mL can from the LCBO; dated Sept 2021 and served slightly chilled.

Pours a foggy golden-orange colour, producing one finger of soapy, foamy white head that melts off within several minutes or so. A bubbly, filmy cap remains behind, surrounded by a frothy collar and multiple rings of sticky, messy lacing - sure looks like a West Coast IPA. The nose includes bready malts and caramelized sugars, in addition to notes of grapefruit, pine and floral, earthy hops; there's even a curry-like spiciness in there. No complaints so far.

A quality medium-strength pale ale - there's a sturdy backbone of bready, lightly toasted malts and caramel sweetness, with the C-hops packing a sizable punch as well. Grapefruit, pine resin and earthy, floral hop bitterness, as well as a touch of peppery spiciness, complete the back end of the sip, with a blend of bready malt and citrusy, earthy hops persisting into the aftertaste. Medium in body, with moderate carbonation that gently agitates the surface of the palate; slightly tongue-coating, with a smooth, slick mouthfeel that makes it less than refreshing. Still, I had no trouble tossing back my can, and would have been up for another.

Final Grade: 3.85, a B+. I feel like I might get pelted with tomatoes for even admitting this, but I'd take a decent-to-good West Coast IPA over an equivalent hazy IPA six days out of seven. Given the Circumstances is, at minimum, a pretty good one that I plan to return to for as long as it remains stocked around here. I'd take this Market IPA over their Bear Hug for sure, and would definitely recommend it to other Ontario BAs with an appreciation for older school IPAs.

Tried one at the brewery and bought some for home :). This one pours amber gold with good collar. Sweet malt greets your nose. Taste is caramel malt with good body, fine finish and good feel. Overall, nice but still love my Kodiak :)