Slipstream Brewing Co - The Grizzly American Brown IPA - Beer Review

Review Date: 19/12/2021
Brewery Name: Slipstream Brewing Co (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
Beer Name: The Grizzly - American Brown IPA

Beer number 19 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

"At Slipstream, our approach to brewing is largely inspired by the American beer scene and The Grizzly is a representation of this – a nod to the strong hop presence and malty richness commonly found in American Brown Ales.
For Beer Cartel’s 2021 Advent Calendar, we wanted to honour the Christmas spirit by offering something special - a unique drinking experience that is not available every day.
The inclusion of chocolate malt results in a beer that is dark amber in colour with roasted chocolate flavours that are comforting and rich. Untamed notes of citrus, pine and floral flood the senses from a hop blend of Cascade, Centennial and Citra.
With a bitterness that is intense like the striking beauty of a rugged forest landscape, The Grizzly American Brown is to be approached with caution, but truly savoured."

Slipstream Brewing Co - The Grizzly - American Brown IPA

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 6.1% (High)



Label/Design: 7/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: IPA

Malts/Adjuncts: Chocolate. Others Unknown

Hops: Cascade, Centennial, Citra

IBU's: Unknown

Appearance

Colour: Deep Brown

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: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

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

Slipstream Brewing Co - The Grizzle American Brown IPA in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall Impression: 8/10

Notes

We're liking these bespoke IPA's that take elements from other styles, then add a truckload of hops and see what happens. Brown ales by nature have plenty of malt forward flavours that lend themselves well to fruity, earthy and piney hops like the ones Slipstream Brewing Co have used here - the classic American variety. It's an enjoyable beer, with plenty of dark malt notes from the inclusion of chocolate malt - think roasty, coffee or dark chocolate flavours. It's balanced well with the hops leaving a pleasant after taste and feel in the mouth with plenty of presence and body.