Dew
East Branch Brewing Company

 

Self-described as a double IPA, with an ABV over eight percent, let's call it an Imperial IPA. Sadly, as a pint can was emptied into a clear glass liter mug, the same problems with modern American IPAs presents itself. That starchy stark white foam on top indicates there's little barley malt in the mix. Traditionalists know how important that barley is in making a great IPA. The head recedes unevenly and unattractively, which is no surprise. The smell is unpleasant. It's medicinal and somewhat metallic, without any malt and with limited hops. It goes a little thinly across the palate, but it's not terrible. In fact, the body isn't a problem. The combination of hops is delightful, with a nice transition from resinous and moderately piney to dry at the finish. The glass lacing is wonderfully stratified. The suspect in the aroma is wheat, which really doesn't belong in an IPA. But, this is an exceptional exception, it's almost tolerable. This will never be considered as a great, at best, a good brew. It could have been great, should it have remembered what makes a great IPA.