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Introduction
This Wild IPA was originally brewed in to launch Category 12’s Elemental Series; a series of short-run, specialty beers that focus on alternative yeasts, bugs and general awesome nerdy stuff. This particular brew was so successful and popular that the brewery decided to make it a year-round offering, a decision that caused some minor stress with the sudden need to round up additional quantities of hard-to-find El Dorado and Azacca hops. Category 12 credits Deschutes Brewery with being the folks who came through with hops to spare; another fine example of the camaraderie in the craft beer community. Back to the alternative yeast discussion: Michael, the owner and brewer, is a science nerd and loves interesting yeast strains like the Saccaromyces Trois that was used here. Sacc Trois is an interesting, dynamic and wonderfully aromatic yeast strain but it is also a challenge to work with, as fermentation length is unpredictable. Wild IPA is quickly becoming Category 12’s best selling beer and beautifully showcases what the brewery does best: make interesting beer that is bold in flavour and exceptionally drinkable.
How it looks
The beer pours a slightly hazy light gold with a thick white head that leaves some spotty, sticky lacing.
How it smells
This wild IPA has a more faint nose than one might expect but does offers aromas of peppery, tropical fruit with hits of pineapple mingling with citrus aromas in the form of grapefruit and orange and mild apricot with some pine on the finish.
How it tastes
Grapefruit and orange citrus, along with some hints of pineapple and apricot hit the palate up front and are significantly more pronounced than in the aroma. There is some malt sweetness with the beer finishing with leafy, herbal and spicy notes and a mild yeast funk. This medium-bodied beer is quite effervescent and finishes dry with some light acidity.
Recommended food pairing
This beer pairs very well with fresh oysters but if that texture isn’t your thing, it also plays very nicely with fruit based desserts and funky cheeses.