Southampton Burton IPA
I can’t say for sure that I’ve had a Burtonized beer of any style, but there’s a strong chance that I more than likely have at some point in the past couple of decades. What does it mean to Burtonize beer, you ask? For the uninitiated, it’s the process of altering brewing water with minerals (mostly calcium, among other items) to match the hard water profile of Burton-on-Trent, historical ground zero for the IPA style.
Southhampton’s Burton IPA is the first that I can recall that outright labels their beer as such. The brewery’s 6.5% ABV IPA is their attempt at matching the flavors of the original IPAs of the 1800s. Not in ownership of a time machine, it’s hard to say whether or not they accomplished their goal, but it’s pretty safe to say this brew is darn tasty.
Appearance
A smallish cap of white foam disappears fairly quickly atop the amber brew.
Aroma
Light, citrusy notes with a light pine presence mingle with a solid, malty backbone, grain, bread and a light sweetness.
Taste
An earthy, citrusy hop character accentuated with pine and grass is balanced nicely with caramel and a touch of malt sweetness. A low to moderate level of hop bitterness presents itself well as the malt sweetness lingers on the lips. At 6.5 % ABV, there is a gentle warmth that arises slightly in the semi-dry finish.
Overall
I really liked this brew. It’s got great balance and flavor. Not having any real experience with beers from the Burton-on-Trent region, it’s impossible for me to check for accuracy in it’s flavor profile, but Southampton Burton IPA drank quite nicely. The hop presence is strong, but never overwhelms and is supported wonderfully by a good malt character.
Rating: 3.75/5
