If you find yourself in Halifax Nova Scotia, and you fancy a beer, you will likely be mainly presented with two options: Alpine and Keith’s. Also the usual selection of macro-junk. However, you will be in the presence of two hugely important micros: Garrison and Propeller. These guys are the real pride of Halifax. Brewing some of the best beers you’ll find on the east coast. But try to find them in the LCBO. Okay, the good news is, Propeller Bitter was available in the spring, and now Garrison Imperial IPA is available in the fall release. So how is it that we humble Ontarians are now able to enjoy this east-coast wonder in the comfort of our own home? Cass Enright. Cass is the founder of BarTowel.com and FreeOurBeer.com has decided to try his hand at importing. The first offering that Cass has at the LCBO is Garrison’s renowned IIPA, though he also currently has a private order open for beers from Picaroon’s of Fredrickton. Check out http://www.bartowelimports.com/news/ for more info. Anyways, I’m getting off track here, I’m about to drink a beer I already know is stellar. Let’s make sure I haven’t changed my mind.
Garrison Brewing Imperial IPA
From a 500ml bottle with no freshness date, the beer is a dark orange to brown hazy brew, with a nice sudsy head that settled to a thick layer of film that laced the glass wonderfully. Aroma is a great balance of biscuit malts and gorgeous hops, citrus peel and flowery goodness. Flavour is massive, for a second you get some lovely sweet bready malts but look out. The hops come flying in, immediately white grapefruit and sharp, becoming more flowery and finishing massively bitter and resinous. The balance is a bit heavy towards the hops, but then again, that is sort of the mandate of a IIPA. Alcohol and hops. Just enough malt to add depth and interest. And this beer does just that. It is epic, and if I wasn’t concerned about securing enough bottles for myself, I would strongly recommend buying as much of it as you can afford.
Thanks to Cass for making this happen, can’t wait for more!
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