Future Utopia
Brewery: Oddwood Ales
Style: Mixed Style (34B)
Package: 16oz Can
Purchased: HEB Tech Ridge, June, 2020
Canned Date: May 22, 2020
Consumed Date: August 11, 2020
Details From the Brewer
ABV: 5.8%
The irony is not lost on us that we released a beer called FUTURE UTOPIA during a pandemic. But this most recent batch that we put into cans was intended for our Future themed anniversary party set to happen today. While we’re super bummed that the party had to be canceled, we are very happy with and proud of this beer. We think this represents one of our finest turbo-hopped hazys, yet it was fermented with lager yeast.
Review
Aroma – 7/12
A bouquet of orange and lime citrus at a high intensity. A moderate white bread, crackery malt character layers in with this. The hop profile does have some B.O. aroma with a bit of lychee. Clean fermentation from what I can tell, with no off-flavors.
Appearance – 3/3
Pours a pale, sandy yellow liquid. An intense haze is present, but you’re able to see about half way through. Stark white bubbles make up a fine compact head.
Flavor – 16/20
Citrus, and peach hit the palate with medium-high intensity. Bread dough, grainy malt flavors join this quickly. Very low sweetness, with a moderate bitterness appears in the mid-taste. Subtle notes of grapefruit and lychee appear towards the end, with a bit of B.O. Flavors slowly leave on the finish, fading to a bitter citrus. Balance is heavily towards the hops.
Mouthfeel – 4/5
Medium mouthfeel and carbonation. Extremely soft mouthfeel throughout the whole taste. A touch of hop-derived astringency on the finish.
Overall Impression – 8/10
One of the better IPLs I’ve had. While this might not have been the best batch of Citra hops, they still present a ton of flavor. The dryness, leads to a very drinkable beer without an overpowering bitterness. I really enjoy the malt expression here. It blends in with the hops really nicely.
Rating – 38/50
IPL is kind of a strange style overall. It popped up around 2 years ago without anyone really nailing it. After the brut IPA trend has subsided, it looks to be making a comeback. This one is really tasty and probably the best example of the style I’ve had.
