Fêtes de Bayonne 2023 ⚪🔴

Humalainen. Mehukas. Melko ohut Verdantijsi, mutta helppo tämä on.

Last of my big boy beers...for now. Time for a UK special after quite a few USA brews. Verdant always prove themselves to be more than capable producers of fine craft beer. This one's a Citra and El Dorado duo with a third yet to be named hop in the dry hop, one HBC 630. Very pale and very aromatic, quintessential Citra light zesty notes along with the El Dorado melon, both together creating a soft and juicy waft. Lemon, melon and alcohol is what I taste initially. Keeping in my this brew is old having been waiting in my warm garage, it seems to have held up ok at least. It's not a DDH and maybe that prevents the hops covering the alcohol, which isn't a requirement but tis preferred. It's coming across as too gentle and subtle to hit you with bold flavour. Zesty yes and soft stone fruit with a tropical vibe, perhaps from Citra's orangey influence or perhaps with this new hop HBC 630. Not overly convinced with this brew, take the ABV down to 5% and it would be a beautiful pale ale akin to Steady Rolling Man, with the light approach. But as a DIPA I don't know. From quad dry hopped brew to this is quite the drop in banging boldness. Not bad though, almost refreshing, almost sweet, almost floral even. Almost isn't great by Verdant standards, but I must remember this particular can is probably 50-70% of it's best self/what it should be.

Aroma: Distinct citrus, citrus zest, stone fruits, slightly herbal. Taste: Citrus, mild citrus zest, apricots, mango. Smooth. Great base for a DIPA. I feel like I miss some layer of flavors.