Download February 2011 - Bite Magazine

BiteFeb2011:Layout 1 27/1/11 18:29 Page 19Beer:Mikeller/Brewdog:I Hardcore You I.P.A.It is with some regret that I amgoing to write the next 300 oddwords. At some stage mid-waythrough 2010 I resolved to avoidwriting yet another paean to aBrewdog product, but at Christmas Iwas gifted a bottle of I Hardcore You,their collaboration with the veryexperimental Danish brewery Mikeller.The two breweries both produceworld class strong pale ales so theresults of union between the twowould have a fine pedigree and, muchas I am loathe to admit it, would haveto rank amongst the very best beers of2010.The beer is made of equal parts BrewdogHardcore IPA and Mikeller I Beat You IPA, theresulting cocktail is then dry-hopped twice.The addition of hops in the final stage of thebrewing process imparts a much fresheraroma, a bit more zest and vibrancy. This wasprobably necessary, to avoid the beerbecoming flabby, stale and less than the sumof its parts.It is a lovely, deep, cloudy, buttered goldcolour, but lacks a bit of effervescence andhas a thin, frankly insipid-looking head. Whatthe beer lacks in appearance, it more thanA very civil partnershipcompensates for on the nose, with avery impressive bouquet oftangerine, tropical fruit and coughcandy. The palate has a chewy,fudgy texture and plenty of sweet,peaches and cream character, buthas no overt alcohol burn, despitethe beer’s strength (9.5% a.b.v.) Thefinish is relatively brief, but sedate,well-balanced and very mellow,ending with a weird sweet/dryflavour I can only equate withhoney-roasted peanuts.It is a cracking beer and a great paleale, albeit one without the up-frontimmediate charms of an AmericanstyleIPA. It isn’t dry, it isn’trefreshing and it’s charms are too subtle tostand up to spicy food, but I wouldn’thesitate to recommend it for a cheekyindulgence late at night with your better half.It is due to be launched at the end of January;the downside is that being a Brewdog limitededition, it will be hard to find and likely to bea wee bit pricey.James Wrobel is the proprietor ofCornelius Beer and Wine on Easter Roadand can be contacted on 0131 652 2405.19