It's come to something when it's not enough to release multiple new beers every month and you feel the need to give the same beer three different labels... I'm not sure I fully understand the reason, other than Rock Paper Scissors is a three-piece game; maybe you're supposed to challenge your mates with a can hidden behind your back and the winner gets to drink them both?
What I do understand is it's another NEIPA / hazy IPA from head brewer Reid Stratton, this time featuring newly launched hop variety Lotus (plus Amarillo, Mosaic and Galaxy), which apparently can be traced back to a Japanese hop from the 1930s. It's been utilised in a beer that's definitely NEIPA rather than mere hazy – it's like someone has dropped in flour or chalk to give it a weighty density. Pineapple, soft stone fruit and a little mango appear first, although it's worth allowing it to warm as vibrant citrusy characters join as it does, albeit softened by a creamy coconut / vanilla vibe. Velvety in texture and low in bitterness, it does what you expect from such a beer.
James Smith
NB Mixed cases featuring Off The Wagon Wheel and Rock Paper Scissors are up for grabs for Crafty Cabal members with the ballot drawn on August 19.
Published August 12, 2020 2020-08-12 00:00:00
