The “Other” Anchor Brewing Co. beer easily available via our friend and champion the LCBO. An American-style IPA that I am desperately in love with. Like, this review could get indecent. I should have an “I certify that I am over 18 years old”. Oh well, next time I guess.
From a Chianti-shaped 650ml bottle with a classic, beautiful Anchor label (if it wasn’t so laced with USA imagery, it would already be tattooed on my body), the beer pours a clear dark amber with nice carbonation and a low dense head that dissipates to a healthy ring that leaves a light lacing.
Aroma is a gorgeous astringent hops. White grapefruit flesh and lemon peel. A slightly yeasty malt background to it. The taste is sharp and hoppy, but not particularly bitter. There is a lovely sweet moment as the beer crosses your tongue, but it nearly immediately is cut down by that dry grapefruity hop that dries everything out, and leaves a wonderful bitter aftertaste. There are mild spicy hops present throughout the taste that become more prevalent as the beer warms. Mmmmmm, 650ml just isn’t enough. Thank God it’s not in a 355ml….
The beer is medium bodied, but it’s funny, it feels thin initally, and doesn’t linger, but is nearly thick during that sweet moment I talked about. With it’s cute small little bubbles, it’s almost velvety. Crushed-velvety. Stylish and dignified, an instant classic that still appears modern. I could drink this all night. Literally I’m going to, which is to say, I’m going to drink this, then go to bed, at which point my night will be over. All. Night. Long.
I will be the first to admit, due to my current geo-political locale, my exposure to US beers is limited. That being said, this is still my favourite Yankee brew, that I reach for time and again. I wish I had another to reach for, in about 15 minutes when this one is empty.
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