Garage Project - Someone Special (Hazy DIPA) - Beer Review

Review Date: 4/12/2021
Brewery Name: Garage Project (Wellington, New Zealand)
Beer Name: Someone Special (Special) Hazy Double IPA

Beer number 4 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"Brewed specially for Beer Cartel, this Hazy DIPA is brewed with 100% Kiwi malted barley and wheat, a double dose of Centennial on the hot side and then a bulging Xmas stocking load of treats in the dry hop, including Citra, Amarillo, Strata, Talus, Centennial, Galaxy and Mosaic. Massive citrus and tropical fruit aroma eases gently into a luscious smooth mouthfeel and a palate loaded with juicy stone fruit, fruit salad, grapefruit and a cheeky hint of resin. Enjoy!"

Garage Project - Someone Special Hazy DIPA

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 8% (High Strength)




Label/Design: 9/10 - A very appropriate can design for a Christmas advent calenar

Serving Style: Can - 375ml

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: IPA (Double IPA)

Malts/Adjuncts: Malted barley, wheat

Hops: Centennial (hot side), Citra, Amarillo, Strata, Talus, Centennial, Galaxy, Mosaic in the dry hop

IBU's: Unknown

Garage Project - Someone Special DIPA Can notes

Appearance

Colour: Deep Gold

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: Notes of pineapple were noticed, but this could have been from the hops.
Phenols: None

As you can see, there was alot going on with the hop flavours and aroma in this beer - not surprising given the large number of different varieties they used!

Malt profile was quite subdued to let the hops shine

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Overall

Garage Project Someone Special DIPA in the Craftd Alpha glass

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall Impression: 7/10

Notes

We found the bitterness to be a little overpowering and was the dominant flavor that lingered on the palate after each sip - perhaps appropriate given the Double IPA style. The hop aromas were amazing - even with notes of fairy floss but this didn’t carry over so much with the taste but as you can see from the radar/spider charts above, there was plenty going on taste-wise with this beer. Label design was cool and very appropriate for a Christmas beer.