If not exactly from here to right over there, not far off.
NAME
Karate
BREWERY
Pressure Drop
STYLE
NEIPA
HOPS
Idaho 7
Citra
ABV
7.4%
I decided to take a break from the ridiculous TIPA and imperial stout regime I have been on for the last few weeks to go back to a NEIPA. NEIPAs seemed to be the billy big balls of the craft beer world at the beginning of 2020, but the combined attack of prolonged social distancing/lockdown measures and the worsening weather seem to have led people in search of bigger badder flavours and ABVs. I mean, I've been knocking back TIPAS and Impy stouts well into the teens for what feels like a month now (the clothes don't fit the same anymore).
Therefore, a break from the chewy, sickly mouthfeel is necessary from time to time, as is a dip below 8% ABV (if only just). Before getting onto how the beer tastes, let's take a minute and reflect on the can design - it's a work of brilliance. I challenge anyone not to be cheered buy this and if I were giving out prizes for can art, this would be a serious contender for the number one spot, it is reminiscent of the Beatle's Yellow Submarine but with even more joy.
But I digress, the tasting notes for this NEIPA are listed as pineapple and black belt and they aren't fooling. There is so much pineapple flavour crammed into this can, I'm surprised it isn't buckling. There's a sherbet-like tingle on the tongue underneath it all which just amplifies the pineapple taste and hides the taste of the alcohol. Hell, the beer itself even looks like pineapple juice.
But... don't bet me wrong, this is all very clever and amusing, I just want a bit more from this. The tropical notes fade pretty quickly and if this were replaced by a fat karate chop of hops to the chops, I'd be rating this really highly. However, for me the flavour just sort of fizzled out. Definitely a great display of hop manipulation and brewing prowess, but not a beer I am going to be singing the praises of, but certainly one I would buy again.
RATING
3.75/5
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