It's not like Hawkers have shied away from the world of the IPA. Their core range has always featured one or two since they launched five years ago this month, they've released single hop IPAs, multiple IIPAs, hold the AIBA trophy for the world's best and also released one of the finest of 2019 (in the opinion of the Crafty team) in the shape of Tom Needs New Friends. But, as the title of this new release puts it, they've been late to the party when it comes to a hazy IPA.
Now that one has arrived, how does it stack up against the four million already on the market? Well, for one, it presents with a deeper hue than most; like their OG XPA or the aforementioned Tom, Late isn't afraid to eschew the contemporary lean towards the lean and back up the hops with some caramel maltiness. It has the effect of enhancing the sweeter side of the hops – ripe paw paw and juicy melons – and also rounding out the body. It's wrapped up in a bitterness that's deep and broad rather than fat and juicy, textural rather than aggressive, the result of which is an IPA in which you can wallow. Or, perhaps, gurgle.
James Smith
Published February 8, 2020 2020-02-08 00:00:00