Review - 21st Amendment Brewery's Brew Free or Die IPA
"Deep golden color. Citrus and piney hop aromas. Assertive malt backbone supporting the overwhelming bitterness. Dry hopped in the fermenter with four types of hops giving an explosive hop aroma. Previously known as 21A-IPA." -- 21st Amendment
From the can, pours a cloudy light amber color producing a decent sized off-white fizzy head with good retention. Body settles a light to medium amber hue with brilliant clarity, leaving a solid ring of lacing behind. The aroma is delectable with copious amounts of Cascade hops giving off magnificent grapefruit notes with a nice balanced malt backbone with some light grain bitterness. Initial taste is moderately bitter that is nicely balanced by the grains. Finish taste is considerably more malty as the bitterness has mellowed out a bit, leaving a nice malty mouthfeel. Medium bodied, it has a creamy texture and active carbonation with a malty body.
Best IPA in a can we've had, and we've had a few. Very solid IPA, regardless of the vessel it arrives in. The aroma isn't overpowering, but the hop presence can't be missed in the balanced bitter finish.
Reviewed on December 8, 2008.