Altered State
Alewife Brewing

 

The pour that emptied a pint can and nearly filled a clear glass Imperial pint mug tells much. Murky dirty blond, with a starchy white head, those colors tell all needed to be known about the base in this wort. It's not barley malt and it is heavy with oats. That's not always a bad thing, but it's rarely a great thing. The aroma is whole grain, a little alcohol and a little combination of starch and fruit. Maybe like peach pie, but that's a stretch. The taste brings some piney and/or citrusy like hops; but, as often happens, the oats muddle the hop character. It's very nicely hopped, but without the traditional barley malt counterbalance, something seems missing. Also nearly missing is the bite of alcohol, which would be understandable with something this potent. The mouthfeel is a little light, but acceptable considering the brewer's choice of oats over barley. Apparently, this is the new IPA. Virtually barley maltless, an insult to those that love the traditional ones. For the new breed, this isn't bad. Not close to World Class, nor even Outstanding, but not bad.