Blue Collar Beer Review #8: Ex Pat Brewing - Life Begins At The Hop

 

  I've found great perks in having a blog.  I don't have wide readership, this really is mostly a way to keep notes for myself.  All the same it has resulted in me getting free beer (though maybe not exclusively).  Really good beer.

   What I have here is another quality brew from my friend Paul at Ex Pat.  It's a single hop, Citra IPA.  I've been eager to try it as Paul specialises in IPAs and Pales.  This really isn't quite like any IPA I've had before.

Ex Pat Brewing - Life Begins At The Hop


American India Pale Ale

? ABV

Appearance: LBaTH pours a medium-light gold/straw, which darkens to a pale copper.  It sports a resilient, rocky white head.

Color gradient isn't very distinct, I got thirsty.

Aroma: The aroma is deliciously hop forward, yet delicate and not over-powering, with distinctly lemon-citrus and pine aromas.  A subtle malt sweetness wisps about underneath.

Taste: A pleasant bitterness starts right away and builds all the way through the palate just to the right level, never overmuch.  Hops are dominant, but very mild especially compared to the aroma.  Much less 'artificial lemon' tasting than other Citra focused beers I've had.  The malt sweetness is much more even in flavor than aroma.

Mouthfeel: Light carbonation, very light bodied.  Crisp, clean, very refreshing.

Overall: I've not been a fan of many Citra central IPA's I've had, due to a fake lemon flavor as mentioned above.  LBaTH has a great citrus flavor that I really enjoy.  Appropriately, it drinks like an English Pale Ale due to the delicate, light carbonation, with the flavoring of a mild American Pale Ale. Reminds me a bit of Mirror Pond, though a different citrus flavor.  It really hit the spot since lately I've been craving mild American Pale Ales that aren't a 25lb hammer of hops right to the gob.  However I think this beer could benefit from a slightly larger hop presence, maybe bigger late and flame out additions.  A bit of Maris Otter and/or Crystal malt to add more body and malt back up for the additional hop flavor.  All the same, this is just as amazing as I expected, precisely the type of beer I've been wanting.

Cheers, Paul!