Blog Tracker
22-04-2022, 08:09
Visit The Beer Nut site (https://thebeernut.blogspot.com/2022/04/play-to-your-strengths.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN40g4yaEm9L-i74PCERYPD3hi5vy5yyDtNpfeQkMjFwQ4a9cmg1Jb2QSfFk2Bz bOr13GvAvEJ2oo5KXxEkLwszgoIYLnT6wHwA1K2wE5aC3DwhnX DY_lBqKsuH9W8TkV6Frz3VPqt98fMtaZqMyJCmp3FB2kVUynFZ FRElPJfOnmJOnPxCuM=w179-h200 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN40g4yaEm9L-i74PCERYPD3hi5vy5yyDtNpfeQkMjFwQ4a9cmg1Jb2QSfFk2Bz bOr13GvAvEJ2oo5KXxEkLwszgoIYLnT6wHwA1K2wE5aC3DwhnX DY_lBqKsuH9W8TkV6Frz3VPqt98fMtaZqMyJCmp3FB2kVUynFZ FRElPJfOnmJOnPxCuM=s2525)Wicklow Wolf has got right into gear for 2022 with a bunch of new releases: permanent, seasonal and one-offs. The full-spectrum craft beer experience is what we come to them for.
First up is a new core range beer, hazy and hoppy, called Tundra. It's badged as a "tropical" IPA, though the label doesn't tell us what hops they've used, only that they're "tropical". Since it's joining the core range I guess they want to be able to swap those tropicals as and when they need to. I got a significant kick of alcohol heat from the aroma, more than I would have thought for 5.6% ABV. The flavour is much more accessible, however, with a light orangeade sweet side beefed up by dank and resinous hopping. Tropical not so much. There's an altogether more serious savoury element, some fun peppery spice and a pinch of proper citric bittering. In combination that's quite enjoyable, but I think "tropical" is overstating it a little, given some of the roaring juice-bombs currently on the market.
This is, I guess, what qualifies as mainstream these days: built to be repeatable and cost effective, unlike some of the uneconomical art-piece special editions you get. As such, and what with the blue can, it puts itself squarely in the same category as Trouble Ambush, and I don't think it quite measures up, needing more softness and sweet fruit. But if you like Ambush and aren't fervently loyal to it, here's something else to try.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC6pav2-hbiGpcPwg_GoGdaSCrw4fKxC5epRfe_76z4mTm_ITtGyIBRr_b zBFCUAqH8eb55NMDaS2R4WX7V5RapW3JP8MntPSURY9L0LsbSU naeA1hjv52dTqp71b15i87YAtNVuVenzBrqSkfOctrLGCX9xUA n6Dpo9LROasCrYOavVbeRg/w161-h200/wicklow_wolf_far_far_away_ipa.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC6pav2-hbiGpcPwg_GoGdaSCrw4fKxC5epRfe_76z4mTm_ITtGyIBRr_b zBFCUAqH8eb55NMDaS2R4WX7V5RapW3JP8MntPSURY9L0LsbSU naeA1hjv52dTqp71b15i87YAtNVuVenzBrqSkfOctrLGCX9xUA n6Dpo9LROasCrYOavVbeRg/s2805/wicklow_wolf_far_far_away_ipa.jpg)Latest in the Endangered Species series is an IPA hopped with New Zealand varieties Nelson Sauvin and Moteuka. This sort of thing has been around for yonks but that's no reason to stop brewing them. Far Far Away is 6% ABV and a standard hazy orange. There must be an IPA template these guys are working from. I get nothing especially kiwi from the aroma, smelling much more American, with citrus dominant. Nelson's diesel mineral side is apparent from the foretaste in a most enjoyable way, softened by orange pith and juice. I get a little herbal grass from the Motueka but it's mostly restrained. In fact, that's true for the beer in general: although it's heavily bodied and built for sipping, the hops aren't very loud and it's up to you whether that's a point in favour or not. I would have preferred a bit more welly, especially in a one-off, but couldn't help enjoying the balance. If it really is built around an IPA template, it's one that works.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXoeiKEKu_Xqk3JlCb2kASffUmb9J9uL3Zj4aPzdlb7 qzoqfmEIgm2u52Q2ANT5rPUx9Ef1jDB5CbawJLlo3wB2mowcrD 4Zpah0Eg0CMCi5hXTC02qEmPmdw7BhBBChS176oXMiiWVMvy5m 70yOCAAOiKB0jAQsCxhNKAgjMZkIRSvGaChbE=w194-h200 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXoeiKEKu_Xqk3JlCb2kASffUmb9J9uL3Zj4aPzdlb7 qzoqfmEIgm2u52Q2ANT5rPUx9Ef1jDB5CbawJLlo3wB2mowcrD 4Zpah0Eg0CMCi5hXTC02qEmPmdw7BhBBChS176oXMiiWVMvy5m 70yOCAAOiKB0jAQsCxhNKAgjMZkIRSvGaChbE=s2325)Their new stout is a 6.6% ABV export-style job called After Midnight. Taking a sip without bothering to read the label I thought "Oh, they've done another coconut stout. Fair enough." They haven't, though. This uses an experimental variety (HBC 472), a close relative of Sabro. And boy is it Sabro-like, with an even realer dry coconut-husk rasp. It takes moment before any further complexities emerge. That takes the form of a plum and raisin fruit side and an old-fashioned green-cabbage hop bite. That last bit is a reminder that beyond the cutting-edge experimentation, this is really a very traditional stout, of the kind mainstream brewers have long since stopped making. It's dense and smooth, pure black and topped with a beige head. The texture is silky enough to have me seeking oats in the ingredients, but there aren't any. Yes, I would prefer this sort of thing without the experimental element, but I don't resent it either: the stout's intrinsic quality shines through.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIc_X5hSZMQPvkWgvVbDaU2Y7itXHYvvRpMSiTz72yI p-W6fe1RgKD7bO1qUJ_Jxi4bz9kIO_qilxoGFVfbfGjPZoFlSVIC K9CWVgAfbUXUE_srvh0KTUaPehr8cfYveTFRJdZNQwFi9p3hID xOrH5IA_eYQF16chnkFRl5bvzFEZuWpD6jc/w141-h200/wicklow_wolf_locavore_spring_2022.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIc_X5hSZMQPvkWgvVbDaU2Y7itXHYvvRpMSiTz72yI p-W6fe1RgKD7bO1qUJ_Jxi4bz9kIO_qilxoGFVfbfGjPZoFlSVIC K9CWVgAfbUXUE_srvh0KTUaPehr8cfYveTFRJdZNQwFi9p3hID xOrH5IA_eYQF16chnkFRl5bvzFEZuWpD6jc/s3185/wicklow_wolf_locavore_spring_2022.jpg)As the brewery's new pattern of Locavore single-estate beers settles into an annual cycle, I detect an intensification of the process. This time last year (https://thebeernut.blogspot.com/2021/05/wild-new-directions.html), the spring Locavore was garnet coloured and 9.8% ABV. For Locavore Spring 2022 we're looking at something jet black and all of 11.9% ABV. Approach with caution. Officially it's still a barrel aged farmhouse ale with Brettanomyces, and like last year's it pours quite flat. The aroma suggests autolysis: that sweet/savoury point where melty chocolate meets soy sauce. The flavour veers away from the savoury, with raisins, quince and sage all featuring. There's a general medieval vibe, of spiced wine and roasted meat. I like it. While it's not hot as such, you know you're drinking something strong. Approach with caution, but enjoy: there's a lot to have fun with here.
I'm sure I've said this before, but Wicklow Wolf is building a very decent reputation for itself as a stout brewer. There's enough hazy IPA coming out of the Garden County already so I wouldn't object if this became even more of a specialism for them.
More... (https://thebeernut.blogspot.com/2022/04/play-to-your-strengths.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN40g4yaEm9L-i74PCERYPD3hi5vy5yyDtNpfeQkMjFwQ4a9cmg1Jb2QSfFk2Bz bOr13GvAvEJ2oo5KXxEkLwszgoIYLnT6wHwA1K2wE5aC3DwhnX DY_lBqKsuH9W8TkV6Frz3VPqt98fMtaZqMyJCmp3FB2kVUynFZ FRElPJfOnmJOnPxCuM=w179-h200 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN40g4yaEm9L-i74PCERYPD3hi5vy5yyDtNpfeQkMjFwQ4a9cmg1Jb2QSfFk2Bz bOr13GvAvEJ2oo5KXxEkLwszgoIYLnT6wHwA1K2wE5aC3DwhnX DY_lBqKsuH9W8TkV6Frz3VPqt98fMtaZqMyJCmp3FB2kVUynFZ FRElPJfOnmJOnPxCuM=s2525)Wicklow Wolf has got right into gear for 2022 with a bunch of new releases: permanent, seasonal and one-offs. The full-spectrum craft beer experience is what we come to them for.
First up is a new core range beer, hazy and hoppy, called Tundra. It's badged as a "tropical" IPA, though the label doesn't tell us what hops they've used, only that they're "tropical". Since it's joining the core range I guess they want to be able to swap those tropicals as and when they need to. I got a significant kick of alcohol heat from the aroma, more than I would have thought for 5.6% ABV. The flavour is much more accessible, however, with a light orangeade sweet side beefed up by dank and resinous hopping. Tropical not so much. There's an altogether more serious savoury element, some fun peppery spice and a pinch of proper citric bittering. In combination that's quite enjoyable, but I think "tropical" is overstating it a little, given some of the roaring juice-bombs currently on the market.
This is, I guess, what qualifies as mainstream these days: built to be repeatable and cost effective, unlike some of the uneconomical art-piece special editions you get. As such, and what with the blue can, it puts itself squarely in the same category as Trouble Ambush, and I don't think it quite measures up, needing more softness and sweet fruit. But if you like Ambush and aren't fervently loyal to it, here's something else to try.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC6pav2-hbiGpcPwg_GoGdaSCrw4fKxC5epRfe_76z4mTm_ITtGyIBRr_b zBFCUAqH8eb55NMDaS2R4WX7V5RapW3JP8MntPSURY9L0LsbSU naeA1hjv52dTqp71b15i87YAtNVuVenzBrqSkfOctrLGCX9xUA n6Dpo9LROasCrYOavVbeRg/w161-h200/wicklow_wolf_far_far_away_ipa.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC6pav2-hbiGpcPwg_GoGdaSCrw4fKxC5epRfe_76z4mTm_ITtGyIBRr_b zBFCUAqH8eb55NMDaS2R4WX7V5RapW3JP8MntPSURY9L0LsbSU naeA1hjv52dTqp71b15i87YAtNVuVenzBrqSkfOctrLGCX9xUA n6Dpo9LROasCrYOavVbeRg/s2805/wicklow_wolf_far_far_away_ipa.jpg)Latest in the Endangered Species series is an IPA hopped with New Zealand varieties Nelson Sauvin and Moteuka. This sort of thing has been around for yonks but that's no reason to stop brewing them. Far Far Away is 6% ABV and a standard hazy orange. There must be an IPA template these guys are working from. I get nothing especially kiwi from the aroma, smelling much more American, with citrus dominant. Nelson's diesel mineral side is apparent from the foretaste in a most enjoyable way, softened by orange pith and juice. I get a little herbal grass from the Motueka but it's mostly restrained. In fact, that's true for the beer in general: although it's heavily bodied and built for sipping, the hops aren't very loud and it's up to you whether that's a point in favour or not. I would have preferred a bit more welly, especially in a one-off, but couldn't help enjoying the balance. If it really is built around an IPA template, it's one that works.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXoeiKEKu_Xqk3JlCb2kASffUmb9J9uL3Zj4aPzdlb7 qzoqfmEIgm2u52Q2ANT5rPUx9Ef1jDB5CbawJLlo3wB2mowcrD 4Zpah0Eg0CMCi5hXTC02qEmPmdw7BhBBChS176oXMiiWVMvy5m 70yOCAAOiKB0jAQsCxhNKAgjMZkIRSvGaChbE=w194-h200 (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijXoeiKEKu_Xqk3JlCb2kASffUmb9J9uL3Zj4aPzdlb7 qzoqfmEIgm2u52Q2ANT5rPUx9Ef1jDB5CbawJLlo3wB2mowcrD 4Zpah0Eg0CMCi5hXTC02qEmPmdw7BhBBChS176oXMiiWVMvy5m 70yOCAAOiKB0jAQsCxhNKAgjMZkIRSvGaChbE=s2325)Their new stout is a 6.6% ABV export-style job called After Midnight. Taking a sip without bothering to read the label I thought "Oh, they've done another coconut stout. Fair enough." They haven't, though. This uses an experimental variety (HBC 472), a close relative of Sabro. And boy is it Sabro-like, with an even realer dry coconut-husk rasp. It takes moment before any further complexities emerge. That takes the form of a plum and raisin fruit side and an old-fashioned green-cabbage hop bite. That last bit is a reminder that beyond the cutting-edge experimentation, this is really a very traditional stout, of the kind mainstream brewers have long since stopped making. It's dense and smooth, pure black and topped with a beige head. The texture is silky enough to have me seeking oats in the ingredients, but there aren't any. Yes, I would prefer this sort of thing without the experimental element, but I don't resent it either: the stout's intrinsic quality shines through.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIc_X5hSZMQPvkWgvVbDaU2Y7itXHYvvRpMSiTz72yI p-W6fe1RgKD7bO1qUJ_Jxi4bz9kIO_qilxoGFVfbfGjPZoFlSVIC K9CWVgAfbUXUE_srvh0KTUaPehr8cfYveTFRJdZNQwFi9p3hID xOrH5IA_eYQF16chnkFRl5bvzFEZuWpD6jc/w141-h200/wicklow_wolf_locavore_spring_2022.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIc_X5hSZMQPvkWgvVbDaU2Y7itXHYvvRpMSiTz72yI p-W6fe1RgKD7bO1qUJ_Jxi4bz9kIO_qilxoGFVfbfGjPZoFlSVIC K9CWVgAfbUXUE_srvh0KTUaPehr8cfYveTFRJdZNQwFi9p3hID xOrH5IA_eYQF16chnkFRl5bvzFEZuWpD6jc/s3185/wicklow_wolf_locavore_spring_2022.jpg)As the brewery's new pattern of Locavore single-estate beers settles into an annual cycle, I detect an intensification of the process. This time last year (https://thebeernut.blogspot.com/2021/05/wild-new-directions.html), the spring Locavore was garnet coloured and 9.8% ABV. For Locavore Spring 2022 we're looking at something jet black and all of 11.9% ABV. Approach with caution. Officially it's still a barrel aged farmhouse ale with Brettanomyces, and like last year's it pours quite flat. The aroma suggests autolysis: that sweet/savoury point where melty chocolate meets soy sauce. The flavour veers away from the savoury, with raisins, quince and sage all featuring. There's a general medieval vibe, of spiced wine and roasted meat. I like it. While it's not hot as such, you know you're drinking something strong. Approach with caution, but enjoy: there's a lot to have fun with here.
I'm sure I've said this before, but Wicklow Wolf is building a very decent reputation for itself as a stout brewer. There's enough hazy IPA coming out of the Garden County already so I wouldn't object if this became even more of a specialism for them.
More... (https://thebeernut.blogspot.com/2022/04/play-to-your-strengths.html)