King Road’s run of limited release, hop forward IPAs continues with this massive double West Coast: a collaboration with Parry Cellars in Perth’s southern corridor. An affinity for escalating IBUs [a measurement of bitterness] seems a reasonable barometer that the pendulum, in some quarters, may be swinging back from all things soft, fluffy or juicy, in favour of bitterness and clarity – cue gasps from the Old Money beer crowd!
In all seriousness, bitterness is welcome, especially when married with modern hop products and techniques that marshal dialled-in beers like this: overtly bitter, lean and with endless charisma for those seeking jowl-sucking dryness laced with resin. "Those" being the kind of people that will likely yell praise at the glass then take to social media for the first time this decade to celebrate their truth speakers of hops; not a slight, more a reflection on an audience with a particular need that's been underserviced as the haze craze has taken hold.
Citra, Simcoe and Amarillo hops push classic citrus / pine characters, with dried mango underneath, all of which is offensively enjoyable. That said, the real hero here is palate weight: the impact from the aromas and flavours arrive from a light malt base that holds down its supporting role with gracious aplomb.
Guy Southern
Published June 27, 2024 2024-06-27 00:00:00
