Ocean Monsters
Abomination Brewing Company

 

As labeled, this is a collaboration with Mast Landing Brewing Company, not that it should matter to its overall pertinent characteristics. First, the artwork on the label is wonderful, yet it's not quite as good as their Social Distancing Hibernation IPA, nor their Imperial Midnight Snack Break Stout. But, this is about the beer. It was a very comfortable pour that emptied a pint can into a clear glass liter mug. There was none of the starchy white foam associated with the modern American IPA. There's just a modest white head resting on top of an opaque dirty blond liquid. The carbonation seems to be just right. The aroma brings an arrangement of hops, with that wonderfully earthy and bitter Simcoe hops seeming to dominate. This is an obviously oat based ale, so there's no malty counterbalance to smell. The taste is mildly hoppy, with the combination of the varieties somehow providing an even, yet moderate bitterness. Somehow, a taste reference to black licorice, not the candy, but the real kind, comes to mind at the finish. It's fully and uniquely flavored and passes across the palate lightly, yet with an acceptable body. This one doesn't ring the bell in every category, but it's a worthy experience, if only to look at its label and its unique taste.

 

 

 

 

 

16oz can dated 11/11/22.

Murky hold body with fairly persistent retention and spongy lacing. Orange, peach, grapefruit pith in the nose. Medium bodied with a soft, chalky mouthfeel. Peach, orange, mango on the palate with minimal malt or bitterness. Finishes with a yeasty afterthought.

 

Good head production, decent retention, and very nice lacing. Body is hazily opaque and a color somewhere in between lemon and orange.

Aroma is a blend of herbal, juicy, and pungent earthy notes. Papaya, lemon, mint, and strong mango.

Smooth and creamy on the palate. It's clearly a lighter IPA, but carries a slightly thicker body. Flavor follows the nose more or less, with notes of papaya juice and lemon, accented by a mild earthiness.

A tasty enough NE-style IPA, but it brings little new to the table despite the creative hop varietal blend.