We've had scores of twists on the IPA style come our way over the years, but I can happily say this is my first to have been inspired by Brazilian limeade. To be honest, I wasn't aware of the drink before Noodledoof's cans landed at Crafty Towers and, continuing down the path of honesty, even this is a twist on the soft drink (aside from being far from soft at 8 percent ABV). How so? Thanks to the use of Australian native blood limes – a hybrid of mandarins and ruby finger limes, for those taking notes.
The first impression is that of OJ – both aromatically and in terms of the swirling haze. The brewers added lactose "to bring condensed milk vibes", a decision that seems to fatten the palate rather than making the beer noticeably sweeter or overtly creamy. Instead, it's the combo of native fruit and citrusy hops that take control to the point it has me picturing the lovechild that results from a liaison between a lager and lime from a British boozer and an American IPA. Which, surely, is a fitting end point for a Brazilian soft drink-inspired beer from a regional Australian brewer?
James Smith
Published August 12, 2024 2024-08-12 00:00:00
