Cranky Reviews

An AK IPA or so They Say

Beer Type

11 to 14

11 to 14

Honourable Mentions

Rating

IBU between 10 and 20

Other Info

An AK IPA or so They Say

Alexander Keith's IPA

Anheuser-Busch

5% Alcohol

Riddle me this: If one of my dog’s legs is a tail, how many legs has he got? The answer, he still has 4 of course. Saying a dog’s leg is a tail doesn’t make it so.

Cranky old Alex after sampling this modern day IPA

In his Brew-Ha-Ha! blog about Alexander Keith’s IPA Don Redmond asks the very valid question what makes an IPA an IPA. This AK IPA is 5% ABV with an IBU between 10 and 20. For those of you who struggle with numbers, don’t get depressed, you still count. What I’m saying is this is not a typical modern day IPA.  I get the feeling cranky old Alex would not recognize this modern day big brewer * take on his original 1820 Halifax Nova Scotia creation.

In fact, at a recent brewing competition this brew did take home a medal, but in the blonde lager category, its hop profile didn’t qualify it for IPA status! **

All that being said,  I ordered a cold frosty AK IPA on tap as a reward for navigating a challenging drive through an icy rain that did not fall anywhere near the plain. From tap to glass it was clear and golden with a slightly off-white head. A mild citrus aroma, not hoppy or malty. A light watery mouthfeel with a mild tropical citrus taste to it, no hops and just the faintest hint of bitters on the finish. The citrus seemed to be trending to lemon. A session IPA or a light, lemon lager, could be either or both.  It is easy drinking and refreshing.  Maybe your first IPA for a hardcore ale quaffer?

If you’re looking for a Juicy Ass pine bough slap to the kisser IPA this isn’t it. If you’re looking for a safe tailgate party cooler stuffer this maybe an option.

*Editor’s Comment: Founded in 1820, in 1928 Alexander Keith's was bought by Oland Brewery. Eventually it was owned by Labatt who were bought by Anheuser-Busch.

**Editor’s Comment: The original recipe was heavily hopped but the modern day recipe is much lighter hopped which does not qualify it as an IPA. In 2016 at the Canadian Brewing Awards this beer came in third not as an IPA but in the NA style Blonde or Golden category.

Final Rating: A Wannabe IPA at 14 out of 20

Beer Type

11 to 14

11 to 14

Honourable Mentions

Rating

Other Info

IBU between 10 and 20

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