Sunday, December 6, 2015

Beyond the Pale: Mullet

After a bit of a hiatus the microbrew times is back with a beer by my favourite local brew artists, Beyond the Pale.  This is one of their Belgian IPA's, and a toned down version of their very tasty but very dangerous Party Animal.  I say toned down because it doesn't have as much alcohol as the Party Animal (5.8% vs. 9%) but still contains a lot of flavour.  As someone more partial to British beer styles than Belgian ones I can say that I am pleasantly surprised by this latest creation by the BTP boys.

It pours a cloudy and wheaty golden brown as a proper Belgian IPA should, which is a good omen.  The nose is quite hoppy and bitter, it really smells like a wheat IPA so on the nose I was a bit apprehensive.  The sip starts with a front load of hops that may be off putting to someone who is not familiar with IPA's, however it isn't as hoppy as some craft IPA's and APA's.  Fortunately those hops don't end up overwhelming the beer, it progresses into a smooth and wheaty middle that is actually quite sweet.  Notes of mango and pineapple are quite noticeable through the middle of a sip before those strong hops make a return for a finishing touch.  It's a surprisingly complicated beer that I really enjoy.  I also like the party animal but as a smaller guy I find it hard to enjoy in moderation, Mullet is a great alternative.

It's definitely available in growlers at the brewery on Hamilton Ave in Ottawa, you may also be able to find it on tap, their website only lists pubs and restaurants that BTP beers are sold, but they don't list which beers you can get.

Alc. 5.8% IBU 49

Rating: 3.5 Steins

What you need to know

Brewery Address:
5 Hamilton Ave N
Ottawa, ON
K1Y 1B4

Website: www.beyondthepale.ca 

Twitter: @BTPBrewing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondThePaleBrewingCompany?fref=ts