West Coast IPAs were of the cornerstone brews upon which much of the excitement in craft beer scenes across the world was built. And while the sweeter, softer and fruitier charms of their hazy siblings have stolen much of the thunder in recent years, when done well they're the sort of bold and beloved style that deserves to be celebrated. And here, via a can that makes synthwave play in your head, Philter are writing their entry in the sticky, hoppy book of WCIPA.
Pouring unctuous and close to amber in colour with a near caramel head, the aroma filled my little study, bandying about the room by my desk fan, and that's just as well: who wants a West Coast IPA that doesn't crash tackle your nose? The scent is unmistakable WCIPA too: nettles, grass, cannabis, stinky foreign cheese and just a hint of rocket fuel.
My god, is it bold... This beer doesn’t so much as knock on your front door, it kicks it down and puts monster truck videos on your telly at full volume. All the promises made by the scent are delivered with a bitter citrus finish cleaning its shoes on your tongue on the way out. In fact, after a few sips, the piney and resinous hop notes leave a feeling akin to when you singe your tongue on a hot long black.
With the hops doing most of the heavy lifting, drinking Philter's West Coast IPA brings a similar flavour/pain balance as spicy Sichuan food: a masochistic sort of euphoria where it hurts so good. Try it on tap at Philter with some of their hot spiced chicken wings and you’ll know what I mean twice over.
Benedict Kennedy-Cox
Published March 20, 2023 2023-03-20 00:00:00
