Craft Beer Dispatch Part 1: The Veil's Uncle Cousin Triple IPA

(Photo by @burgernfries. Uncle Cousin enjoying the shade)

Yesterday (Tuesday) I was able to swing by The Veil Brewing Co out here in Scott's Addition- a brewery heaven in Richmond, VA. I waited a few hours after their 4PM open time because it was Tuesday which meant a new selection of beer releases; which generally draws a large crowd of craft beer enthusiasts weekly. The Veil is known for their bold take on IPAs/DIPAs, Gose and creative collaborations with local establishments and various breweries. Besides their beer ingenuity, they've created a cult following and every Tuesday is the day for all of us to look forward to. It's not uncommon to see people waiting in line to pick up their 4-packs while holding two different glasses... sometimes things sell out quick so might as well get a taste! After an insanely hot day biking out here in Richmond, I decided that I deserved this Veil release. Let me get this thing prepped for an alleged photo shoot and then straight to the chips and veggies of the situation!

(Photo by @burgernfries. Inside The Veil Brewery)

The Review

First, let's get a little information on this beer. It's a Triple IPA using a single hop: Mosaic. Mosaic's main terpene profile is Myrcene... the main essential oil of various plants- some of them being Hops and Cannabis (no relation to my previous posts). It's alcohol percentage stands at solid 11%. Ooof

(Photo by @burgernfries. Moments after the pour)

(Photo by @burgernfries. For color reference)

I'll write this as I drink.

Initial smell after the first pour: Citrus, Cannabis, fresh hops picked in the late afternoon after a heatwave.

First taste: Upfront pure hop/citrus explosion, noticeable alcohol content (11%)... not so upfront but definitely there. Full mouth taste- you can chew around and immediately I can feel the beer sitting in my eyelids. Extremely drinkable as I continue sipping this.

Continued: The 11% is actually amazingly hidden.... this could be dangerous for anyone who didn't know how strong it is... but then again they would feel the kick quickly. Beautiful golden haze color- like a perfect mimosa in color... the right amount of orange juice paired with the right amount of Champagne. The head on this stayed on top for a while... a few minutes and it was stuck there was I took pictures. The aftertaste is almost near non-existent... some DIPAs/IPAs and one other Mosaic I've tried have commonly left a long aftertaste on my palate. I wouldn't say the taste is fleeting... as you swish it in your mouth it dances with your tongue, teeth, and cheeks- it lets itself be known... an absolute bouquet of citrus, bitter hops and mild alcohol. This flavor does not fight with itself in what it is trying to accomplish... must be because it is a single hop... it doesn't tug the palate in different directions and try to show too much. It is up front and then puts you into an amazing daze.. on that is somewhat narcotic. Carbonation is perfect... as you drink this release you do not feel the urge to burp as with other beers... it's not heavy--- sure the alcohol content will knock your socks off as it's done to mine already, but it's playful yet elegant. I know it's comparing apples to oranges but the Hornswoggler (Bourbon Pecan, Butter, Oreo Milk Stout) by The Veil that I tried some time back basically put me in my grave. In this case Uncle Cousin leaves me with a no-worries grin and I occasionally notice I keep licking my lips.

Overall I'm definitely inclined to give this beer the stamp of approval over here @burgernfries HQ. Thanks for the opportunity @theveilbrewing.... also a massive big-ups to the city of Richmond... been treating me right and that deserves a mega mention! Stay tuned as I will be reviewing All Wheat Everything collabo with @otherhalfnyc as soon as possible... it is the other release I managed to get my hands on at the weekly release over at The Veil. I should be able to do it once this one wears off on me. If you can get your hands on it then I highly recommend that you do! Til' then- Cheers!

Update: I just stood up and Christ in Heaven... Definitely my alleged relaxed vibes have kept this one at bay... but as I got up and began to walk my blood flow increased and I realized that the 11% actually means something! Careful out there!