Clearly, releasing one series of IPAs isn't enough to satisfy the hopheads at Bridge Road Brewers. Maybe living so close to one of Australia's hop-growing regions has caused lupulin to somehow embed itself into their DNA to the point they simply NEeD to keep devising new variations on the India pale ale theme. (Interestingly, I can't recall the last time I typed India pale ale in full. I wonder how many new-to-craft drinkers don't actually know what IPA stands for anymore. Anyway...)
Having notched their tenth NEeD IPA release, the Beechworth brewers have started again with New Sky, for which they've reached back into the modern IPA style's earlier years to kickstart the process. Double California takes inspiration from West Coast IPAs of yore, with one of the classic "three C" hops, Columbus, joined by some fruitier more recent arrivals: Cashmere, Azacca and El Dorado.
And it certainly looks old school part with its almost amber, burnished copper appearance and nary a hint of haze. There’s a preserved citrus rind sweetness to the aroma, but also an earthy depth to be plumbed amid the rich caramel and sweet biscuity malts. Double California doesn’t hold back on either maltiness or booze, yet does so while maintaining a hearty balance. There’s a little more fruitiness than an older West Coast, and arguably a less potent bitterness, but this series-starter is still a worthy tribute to and update of such beers.
James Smith
Published August 8, 2022 2022-08-08 00:00:00