Named after the oat protein that is often used by brewers to create haze in beer, Avenin Juice is the latest hop forward release by Rocks Brewing: an oat cream double dry-hopped IPA packing 7.5 percent ABV in a 500mL tin – making for three standards in each. For short, people might just call this beer AJOCDDHIPA. Easier.
Pouring an opaque orange the colour of mango flesh, AJOCDDHIPA boasts a decadent head and an aroma so bold it might scare dogs. As is their wont, the Nectaron and Mosaic hops aren't shy in making their presence well known on the nose and in the first silky sip.
There's a lot going on in this beer, and it is with relief that I report it’s all for good. Tangy hop flavours crackle like kindling on your cheeks which are then softly soothed by the oats and lactose. Grapefruit, nectarines and even a bit of pine are hanging about defining this balanced and distinct profile, a rare thing in such a buzzing style of beer. With bitterness kept low, AJOCDDHIPA is a great beer for when you want just one on a lazy evening, which is how I will be spending a few evenings as it’s the holidays and the Rocks crew sent me a four-pack.
Benedict Kennedy-Cox
Published December 30, 2022 2022-12-30 00:00:00
