There’s a time and place for beakers to hit the counter and bunsen burners to jet their flame - maybe this brewery is that place. And right now is that time. Meta Brewing in Calgary, Alberta, is committed to the scientific quest, unafraid to light a flame under their ideas. Wielding exacting methods and precision instruments, they create high-quality lagers, along with a selection of seltzers, spirits, and the occasional root beer. Currently sporting seven beers on their slate, Meta is holding its own in the savage craft brewing landscape of Calgary at a time when more than a few have thrown in the towel. The Nucleus is a New England-style IPA relying on a combination of Citra, Galaxy, and Amarillo hops for a flavour profile that evolves on the palate and delivers big, juicy tropical fruit character. Serves well at 8°C and should be measured with your mouth receptor immediately.
Pours a golden colour with a cloudy body and light carbonation. Foamy head out of the can calms down to a ring of bubbles around the glass.
Muddled tropical fruit medley is the first thing to strike your nose from this beer, but right alongside that fruit is a resinous and floral hop character.
Follows the nose fairly closely, with the tropical fruit upfront and the hops alongside. The fruit doesn’t open up much or reveal any one specific flavour, but the hops move on the palate, becoming slightly sweeter and earthier, finishing with a slight berry and leaf flavour. A touch astringent in the mouthfeel and with a slightly dry finish, but overall sweet and smooth.
Something spicy but with a slightly sweet kick would pair up well, there’s some hoppiness here but not too much. Korean Fried Chicken in sweet chili sauce, anyone?