I seem to be dwelling on Amsterdam a lot recently, and with good reason; Amsterdam is producing some really awesome brews. This batch of Boneshaker was actually being produced during the SOB brew day (if I understand correctly), and so I was definitely looking to lay my hands on some. It’s their take on an unfiltered American style IPA, that they brewed adding hops throughout the boil (not “continuously”, like DFH, but more hops than is, strictly speaking, sensible). I got a glass of some pre-bottling down at the brewery, but was in a bit of a hurry, so didn’t get to spend some quality time with it. The short time I got was excellent, but I wanted to reflect a bit more. So I was more than happy when Brock gave me a bottle after our interview at Burger Bar. I’ve been waiting on it for a while, and a Thursday after spending a few hours tearing out 80+ year old plaster with my father-in-law, I thought it was time. Let’s do it!
Boneshaker - Amsterdam Brewing Co.
From another 500ml brewery bottle with no adornment except a simple label, the beer pours a nearly opaque copper/orange colour, with a thin bit of head that dropped to a thin film. Aroma is magical. Wet sticky hops, astringent and pine, but with a nice sweet caramelly malt aroma too. Taste screams “American IPA”, amazing balance between chewy fresh hops and sweet grainy malt. There is a heap of pine and mineral from the hop, a touch of yeast that makes the malt come across as quite bready. There’s some fruity/floral hits on the mid palate, but the finish is all dry bitter hops. Not quite coating you mouth, but enough to leave you with a nice fresh astringent feeling. Just lovely. Not quite medium bodied on the tongue, with mild carbonation, it is disappearing too fast. I fear it’s a tad too drinkable. 7.1% and not a hint of booze or heat. It feels nearly like a cask ale in a bottle. Unfiltered and not too fizzy and popping with fresh flavours. Man I love unfiltered ales.
Another homerun for the kids down at Amsterdam, keep them coming guys!
6 Comments