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Are You Tasting the Pith? - 13th April 2008
No video this week, but a couple of stonking beers from the Haand Bryggeriet in Norway, First to be supped was their IPA (6.5% abv). I'd had this stood around for a few days before deciding that it was never going to drop completely clear - it had a slight haze on it, which I thought was a bit of yeast in suspension, but on reflection, it might just have been bottled unfiltered. The IPA poured a resinous gold colour, with a massive aroma of hops - maybe the haze is hop-related? he first sip was a superb wallop of the sort of pithy, resinous hoppiness that I can't get enough of. Indecently good, to the point where I polished of the beer with a speed that was dwarfed only by my immense sense of regret at there not being any more to be had. Really, an exceptional beer.
Their Norse Porter was also an eye-opener. I'm not really one for slavishly adhering to style guidelines, but calling this a porter (Norse, Baltic or otherwise) is a misnomer - it's more in the imperial stout mould. Slightly gloopy, big, with a long-lasting tan head, and a powerful chocolate aroma. Lovely velvety texture, smooth, rich, roasty, earthy, smoky and worryingly moreish. Sadly, again drunk with indecent haste. Very good indeed.
I would strongly recommend these beers. Really.
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