A few years into writing about their new releases, Sauce still manage to baffle. While Netactaron Mist Hazy IPA filled me with excitement when it arrived, the Choc NEIPA just filled me with questions. The first pressing issue was which to have first and, although Nectaron Mist has a higher ABV, I decided to leave the chocolate for dessert.
Pouring a cloudy yellow ombre with a steely, Saucey signature scent I’ve to which I've become rather accustomed, Nectaron Mist punches in via your mouth before kicking its way out of your nose. As the name suggests, Nectaron hops lead your tongue through some spiky pineapple, orange and stone fruit flavours. It tastes like drinking an action movie and might just be the sauciest beer from Sauce in a while.
Alright, then... time to get weird.
Choc NEIPA looks almost identical to Nectaron Mist in the glass, with a bouquet of piney hops amid an unmistakable scent pf chocolate that reminds me of chocolate Billabong ice creams. As a result, I’m disappointed to say that this one works.
Why am I disappointed? Because I feel like this shouldn’t have worked and that Sauce should be punished by their hubris. A citrus and distinctly NEIPA bite comes courtesy of Sabro hops before raw cacao nibs delivers a chocolate milk kick; it seems like someone who wasn't invited to the party but ends up becoming the life of it. It’s resinous, dessert-worthy and definitely the beer of the two to finish with. Thanks, past Benny!
Benedict Kennedy-Cox
Published March 1, 2024 2024-03-01 00:00:00
