Climax Brewing India Pale Ale
A pretty good IPAAfter enjoying Climax Brewing’s 15th Anniverday Ale back in May, I had made the decision to try a few more of their products. Well, as it would turn out, they disappeared from the meager shelf space that had held their brews shortly after making my decision. It was only just the other week that I finally spotted them once again.
This 6% ABV American IPA is a well balanced brew with a solid malt (a combination of domestic and Belgian) background for a soft hop presence to build upon. It’s easy drinking and has a moderate level of hop bitterness, giving it a decidedly East Coast IPA character.
Appearance
Pouring amber in color with a full, white cap, this brew from Climax certainly looks good in a glass.
Aroma
The aroma rising from the beer’s surface smells great. It’s full of orange peel, citrusy hops, pine and a decent level of biscuity malt with a touch of caramel.
Taste
While the nose leaned heavily on the fruity nature of the hops, the taste more favors the maltiness within the brew. Sure, the hops are still there, but not as prevalently as the nose though more pine and grapefruit come forward. A moderate level of hop bitterness lingers over the biscuity malt for a good while in the slightly dry finish. The beer has a refreshing, crisp mouthfeel and is easy drinking.
Overall
All in all, this IPA is pretty tasty. It’s well balanced with a solid malt presence and a somewhat lighter hop character than most American IPAs I’ve enjoyed this Summer. That all said, I’d buy this one again.
Rating: 3.75/5