Introduction

For nearly a decade a small craft brewing group in Copenhagen have been striving to combine what they’ve called a “scientific basis combined with crazy experiments.” To Øl brewing combines efforts with established breweries to put out beastly brews. Tore Gynther began the project with an ambition to work with brewers he respected and to make the beer he wanted to drink. To Øl uses only raw ingredients and contemporary brewing ideas – they were sick of traditional techniques being used simply because they were old and well-worn. Theirs is the world of current recipes and ideas. The Eden may not necessarily be called an American IPA, but then again it doesn’t really fit categorization all that well. Called “Fruit IPA” by the maker, it adheres to many of the norms of American IPAs, but aims for a stranger outcome. Serves well at 6°C and should be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

---

How it looks

Pours a warm unpasteurized honey colour, close to apricot juice, with a thin white head that quickly recedes to lacing.

How it smells

The fruit character stands on the top of the beer – up front is the mango and apricot giving it a very sweet smell with just a hint of the citrus zest in the background. There’s some resinous quality to it, almost syrupy.

How it tastes

This beer is a riot of fruit flavour combined with a bitter punch in the neck. The heart of this beer is a combination of tropical fruit and it shows – the apricot and mango come through clear as day, but the passionfruit, guava and papaya are subtle, even getting lost in the mix. A bit of tang makes it a touch astringent. The hop is obvious and combined with the zest character of the fruit gives it a bitter edge. The flavour is wild and goes a lot of places, so take your time enjoying it.

Recommended food pairing

Dig into something with a strong base flavour, chicken or pork, but with some eastern spice tossed on it. Pad thai would be divine.