On face value, the name Crazy Ivan – taken from a local character-filled legend – gives a subtle suggestion that this beer is going to taste a bit, well, crazy. The truth is that this is just a beautifully balanced and approachable IPA.
Its character is distinguished from a great many IPAs in that the brewers seem to have been willing to give malt more of an even platform to show its stuff. The full bodied beer brings a wonderful caramel malt character to smooth the path, round out the mouthfeel and make it ever so soft. But never fear: hops are still on show, with Amarillo, Simcoe and Mosaic bringing sticky tropical fruit, tangerine and grapefruit together with a resinous bitter bite to round out the package.
If you’re after a beer whose only goal is to greet you with a thumping hop explosion, this might not be one you want. But if you’re of a disposition to be satisfied with something altogether smoother, make a date with Crazy Ivan.
