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Brew Crew: Big Rock Citradelic Single-Hop IPA

$14.95 for 6 at Liquor Depot

In their latest special edition brew, Calgary-based Big Rock immerses the palate in citrusy hops.

The Citradelic Single Hop IPA tastes initially exactly as you’d expect it to. With the Citra hops combining with notes of orange and other citrus, it’s like drinking a pint of Keith’s after downing a glass of Tropicana’s finest no-pulp.

I probably made that sound significantly worse than the beer actually is. The malt takes a complete back seat, and Big Rock lets the Citra hop sing lead vocals through the whole tasting experience. The medium body and similar finish give the hops centre stage throughout, with their bitterness interplaying perfectly with the zesty citrus of the flavor profile.

Though it can sometimes taste a little more like something you’d use to degrease an engine than fresh-squeezed OJ, Big Rock did a fine job of bringing distinct, in-your-face flavor to an IPA. This is extremely difficult to do in a beer with an already distinct flavor; complementing the bitterness of the hops with citrus works well to keep the palate interested without straying from the IPA style.

Citradelic pours a slightly cloudy orangey-amber colour, and gives a frothy, sparse head. The citrus zing is complemented by a fairly bubbly mouth feel, which makes the flavours even cleaner and more crisp. Though it is a special-edition taster beer, it doesn’t weigh down the palate; you can drink these back to back and not feel overpowered.

If you’re looking for something fresh in the IPA sector, give this concoction a shot. It’s likely not for everyone, but those who find the taste appealing will soon find Citradelic in their normal rotation of brews.

It’s not for everyone, but those who find the taste appealing will soon find Citradelic in their normal rotation of brews.

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