I have gone on record as saying I think 2021 will see more DIPAs exhibiting an interplay between the fruity/juicy notes that prevailed in 2020 and some old-school big bitterness. Not to claim any Nostradamus-like qualities of prognostication, but if this offering from To ØL is a sign of where things are heading, then I might just have been on to something - not to brag.
Brewery
To ØL
Name
Lost All Reason
Style
DIPA
Hops
Simcoe Cryo
Citra Cryo
Ella
Idaho 7
El Dorado
ABV
8%
Lost All Reason doesn't offer much on the nose, there is a faint whiff something slightly familiar, but I really can't put my finger on it. There is neither the almost overpowering scent of the fruit and veg aisle we are all so used to at the moment, nor big pine resin notes, just a note that is inviting and intriguing but not readily identifiable.
Lost All Reason pours quite thick, it's a cloudy brew and you know your in for a good old chew on this. On the tongue this opens up a lot, again there are faintly familiar notes coming in in waves, but pinning down what they are is no mean feat. There's some soft fruit (shock horror!), a hint of some woody herb that could be thyme, could be rosemary and then that's gone and a tingle of bitterness appears.
All of this continues in (not to sound too wanky) a crescendo of flavours that grow in intensity, without actually fully standing out from one another. The bitterness amps up quite a bit but doesn't overpower, but still there is no real identifiable, ah that's it flavour coming to mind. All that being said, the drinking of Lost All Reason is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The big chewy body does provide a slightly creamy flavour which again dissipates into some classic IPA bitterness and keeps everything in a nice balance. Indeed, this is so well balanced I am finished it before I know it and then it hits me, the flavour I was getting from this, and this is odd, is tinned fruit salad. In fact, it's tinned fruit salad with a touch of pouring cream, which is something we had for dessert a lot as kids (Dan reckons that's weird but there you go).
If that flavour profile sounds weird to you, I ask you to trust me, this beer is good, it's an easily drinkable, slightly mad brew and I thoroughly recommend it.
Score - 4.25
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