Review: Strange Fellows Guardian IPA

Today's review is a beer I picked up at a Liquor Depot location in Surrey, BC a few months back, I wasn't impressed by the selection but I was able to pick up a few interesting beers. I picked up a four-pack of Strange Fellows' Guardian IPA which is described as hoppy, fruity and aromatic. This was one of the few beers that popped out at me so I had to buy this and try it.

From the label: In this strange account of the eternal battle between good & evil, the valiant knight is our hero, destined to deliver us from the dragon's fiery breath that is our thirst. Our bold & flavourful Guardian IPA - hazy & thirst-quenching, with a super-juicy & citrusy dry-hopped character - will make the slaying of any dragon most enjoyable. 6.5% ABV

Appearance: Mildly hazy golden straw body with a relatively thick amount of beige foam on top of the beer. The head diminishes a bit as the beer is savoured but leaves behind minimal lacing, it's mostly staying atop the beer.

Aroma: The label wasn't lying - it's sweet, tropical, floral and mildly bitter. There's notes of lemon, orange peel and orange juice, a bit of a barley graininess that's straight from the grainery. The hop presence is floral with a slight pine presence. Slight amount of caramel and a hint of spices (hint of coriander?) at the end.

Taste: This is quite thirst quenching and going down too quickly to keep up with the review! It's got a good deal of citrus presence right from the very first stip - notes of lemon, orange peel, as well as a hint of coriander for spice. There's a nice amount of caramel sweetness in here, a light toasted malt presence that gives off a light crisp graininess to it. The hops are floral and mildly piney, they are pretty easy going when sipping on it but once it gets to the aftertaste, it's a bit sharp with a pine aftertaste.

Overall Thoughts: Really, really good IPA that has a great tropical presence, a moderate bitterness and has just a hint of a witbier vibe to it. I gave away a can to a friend, I should have saved it to drink instead but hey.. hindsight is 20/20!

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