Urbanaut Williamsburg IPA

In a country full of hop overloaded IPAs, we're spoilt for choice because they're almost all good; so it's reasonably uncommon to get one that makes you pause and think "wow, that's good", but even less common to get one that really tastes a bit different to the rest. Realistically we're working with four ingredients, and one of those (the hops) in this type of beer accounts for well over half of the flavour profile, so there's not a whole lot of room to move to make it taste different. But this guy really delivers big delicious fruity aromas, I got apricot, peach, pineapple type tropical aromas, and this really was a delicious beer. I wish the can was bigger.

It poured well, it smelt amazing. Good looking golden colour, good head. Tasted fantastic, not too bitter, but massive hop aromas. Doesn't say on the can or the website which hops they've used (just says NZ hops, which I was a little suprised about, almost tastes more like US hops), but I'm guessing by the unique flavour profile that it would be something fairly new (maybe some Wai Iti in the mix?), or maybe even the trial hops (but what do I know).

I didn't realise that it was 7.2% ABV until well after I'd downed it, it packs a good punch, but doesn't have a heaviness or chewiness like most beers this strength.

(I had it with some bacon and eggs on toast after a night shift)

This is the best pale ale I've had in a while, will definitely have more. My only criticism would be that I probably wouldn't really have called it an IPA, more of an APA or an NZPA (if that's a style), although with an ABV of 7.2% perhaps more of a double/imperial IPA. 

urbanautbrewing.co.nz

ABV: 7.2%

Brewery: Urbanaut Brewing Co

Region: Auckland

Style: Imperial IPA

Wife check: This beer was consumed in the absense of a wife