Merchant Ale House IPA

Definitely more English character to this brew, really should be a sub-style or something as I don’t think it’s fair to compare it to the west-coast IPAs. Lots of hop aroma in this brew, and a good bitterness in the mouth that was nicely balanced with a subtle malt profile.

John the brewmaster handed me a half pint of this the first time he brewed it and I just about fell over. Not only because John almost never gives free beer. This almost made me cry--it was like the Dragon’s Breath Pale Ale from Kingston Brewing Company, but heartier. Very classic English IPA. Nice big hop nose (English, maybe Kentish hops, I don’t know my hops, definitely not West Coast USA hops). Pours a light amber with, well, they give a little too much head at the Merchant, but I forgive them. Nice lacing, and hops all the way down. I just wish John had the capacity to keep this on tap more often. People like me drink too much of it. John’s a pheonomal brewer.

Amber, creamy average top. Light sweet nose. Not much like an IPA. Creamy body, very smooth with subdued hop character. Think of smooth - creamy ale with medium bitterness. Earthy finish, suggest use of British hops, more like ESB?

On tap at the Merchant Ale House. Amber-orange in colour, thin light beige coloured head. The aroma was of sweet floral hops, some light caramel malts, a bit of lemon and orange. The flavour was of light citrus (oranges mainly), some cantaloupe, flroal hops, earthy malts. Bitter mouthfeel, medium body, light carbonation. Finishes sweet, lingering and dry.

Dark orangey amber, small white head. Fruity, malty aroma, muted sweet orange. Pleasantly bitter, moderately resiny quality. More bitter than the ESB but less pronounced hoppy/citrusy flavours. Average palate. Enjoyable.