
Rex Machina
Brewery: Jester King Brewing
Style: Specialty IPA (21B)
Package: 16oz Can
Purchased: Beer to go!
Canned Date: June 11, 2020
Consumed Date: June 30, 2020
Details From the Brewer
ABV: 6.7%
Rex Machina was brewed with a base of local Silver Star Two Row malt from Blacklands and a quarter-ton of flaked and malted oats and wheat. It was dry hopped aggressively, first with Weldwerks super-expressive, hand-picked lot of El Dorado, then again with a new hop blend called Trident, which lends an intense tropical, passion fruit character.
Review
Aroma – 11/12
Tangerine and clementine jump out of the glass at high levels. A “stinky” ripe tropical fruit note fills in quickly. Some guava, but mostly passionfruit. A moderate doughy malt aroma is also present. Bits of wildflower and rose add some complexity as well.
Appearance – 3/3
Pours a pale yellow straw liquid. A heavy haze obscures any visibility. Small and fine white bubbles make up a 2cm head that lasts with good retention. As it’s drank, lacing clings to the glass’s sides.
Flavor – 17/20
Waves of tangerine citrus wash over the tongue at a high level. Medium high flavors of orange peel, lemon, papaya and passion fruit as well. Some overripe fruit flavor. A nice fresh bread dough and cereal grain malt flavor. Slight floral perfume note and greenness. Low bitterness and sweetness. Finish is slow, leaving fruit flavors and a subtle bitterness behind.
Mouthfeel – 5/5
Incredibly soft and pillowy medium-light bodied. Moderate carbonation hits the back of the mouth. No hop astringency. Some hop oil lingers on the cheeks after the finish.
Overall Impression – 9/10
A tasty IPA from Jester King and Weldwerks! I really like the hop profile here, there’s tons of fruit character, yet it doesn’t seem overly done. The floral notes really round in a nice complexity as well. The lighter body works here due to the pillowy character. This is near perfect and would nail it if it didn’t have the slight green/vegetal hop note.
Rating – 45/50
I can see how this might not fulfill the dreams of a normal hazy IPA drinker. It’s a bit different in it’s execution, but I like it. It’s body is so damn drinkable without being heavy. This is the closest I’ve seen to a “zero IBU” IPA, where you’re completely distracted from any minute bitterness. Another pandemic collaboration done well!

