Punk IPA

BrewDog
Fraserburgh, Scotland
Imported by: Preiss Imports
San Diego, CA

Available: n/a

BrewDog microbrewery opened in 2007 in the east of Scotland near Aberdeen.

ABV: 6
ABW: 4.9
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: n/a

Turned off by the name, I was prepared not to like this beer, until I poured it in the glass. Almost chartreuse, it is not quite bright, but is quite appealing with good depth. The nose is a bouquet of hop aromatics: spicy, and more yeasty and bread-like than most IPAs. A sensual treat to the nose, like inhaling newly mown hay. Though the hops are forward, there is a fine balance of the clean, light, biscuity malt and Humulus lupulus, just right for a dinner of a baked potato filled with butter, chives, and sour cream, topped with caviar; fresh Brussels sprouts and a superb pureed bisque of local crab and shrimp with a dash of hot sauce. Forget it with cheese; the spice is overpowering.
- Charles Finkel

Chilled this brew is hazed, but perhaps that is the nature of being punked. Brewdog has a superior reputation for innovation and full flavored beers with unzipped malt and hop impact. Light golden ale with a head struggling to maintain itself. But no matter—it's beneath the surface where impact conspires. Malt character is speculated but is compromised by compelling hop bitterness and flavor. Punk IPA is reminiscent of a superb and skillful combination of ingredients, process and know-how, but unfortunately this beer has not survived the journey to my glass in the best of shape. Age and perhaps other circumstances have taken its toll leaving this beer drinker wanting a fresher bottle.
- Charlie Papazian

Charles Finkel
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie Papazian
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

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