Let’s hear the words of the brewer:
”Plenty of IPAs will promise you the moon and the stars, looking to seduce you with words of smashing bitterness and hops everlasting. Actually, we're not here to "blow you away with a lupulin cannon," or "peel the enamel off your teeth." East IPA is a clean, drinkable IPA that's packed with flavor and offers a bold balance, not a smack in the head. American hops soar in the bright piney aroma, while East Kent Goldings hops bring the taste of stone fruits and firm bitterness from IPA's ancestral British home. Give our East IPA a try with some rich crab cakes or salmon, strike up a conversation with farmhouse cheddars, and find harmony alongside spicy dishes. East IPA's blend of tradition and exuberance sets the standard for hop-driven deliciousness.”
I like Brooklyn’s somewhat “no BS” like approach to brewing. They present to you rather what they are trying to reach rather than what you should sense. Add to that a few hints at sidedishes and we are in good hands.
The eye
It pours clear dark amber with a nice 2 finger cream head. It rises fast but setlles quickly also.
The nose
Straight from the fridge the nose is weak with notes of new mown hay and slight fruity hints. As it tempers the nose develops considerably. The notes of hay or grass is still there, but with added sweetness from raisiny or pruny notes.
The tongue
The carbonation is below medium. The bitterness from the mix of hops, is holding back at first but developing as it tempers though it never overpowers the overall palate. It has a medium body as it is 6,9 % alcohol with a good deal of sweetness, that almost seems artificial. It is hard to determin exactly the kinds of sweetnesses but I will go with dark plum as the bitternes reminds me of some plums skin bitterness. There is a nice long bitter aftertaste that keeps you reminded it is an IPA.
The verdict
This is a solid beer. It keeps its stated promises and certainly delivers the ability to keep the drinking session interesting. Going for this mix of hops seems to me a good decision that balances the bitterness with sweetness without sacrificing one over the other. The body is nice and their is also the possibility of chasing a few exotic notes. A recommended beer.
3.5/ 5.0