Wild Beer Co. Madness IPA 6.8% ABV

Date May 2, 2016

This is the Wild Beer Co.’s take on a classic American IPA, so I think we know what we’re heading for.

The brewery claim that “When Brett (Brett Ellis – Wild Beer Co.’ founder and brewmaster) arrived from California he couldn’t believe there weren’t any of his beloved ‘West Coast’ IPAs readily available in the UK.“. I think it’s safe to say that there’s plenty of choice ‘out there’ now, but it’s always interesting to try a new take on this classic.

Madness IPA uses four classic, citrussy American hops – Amarillo, Centennial Citra, and Columbus – used “somewhat liberally”. Brett has been quoted as saying “if you’re making an IPA and you’re not thinking to yourself ‘This amount of hops is madness’ you’re not putting enough in.”.

I can think of at least a couple of other breweries that subscribe to that particular mantra.

Wild Beer Co Madness IPA

It pours a rich golden colour with a comfortable white head, rich and fulsome; it fades slowly with extensive lacing.

The nose is predominantly peaches and black pepper; it’s reminiscent of the Green Flash West Coast IPA – although slightly less potent – so it’s fair to say that Brett Ellis has achieved his objective.

The flavour doesn’t disappoint, there are bucketloads of hops in here, underpinned by a yeasty malty base, those hops were not sacrificed in vain, it’s fruity, spicy and warming.

It’s a good, assertive, ‘West Coast’ IPA,

Rating: ★★★½☆

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