The Ascension P.P.31.05 Hazy IPA

Style: Hazy DIPA
Brewery: Northern Monk
Origin: England
Size: 44cl
Alcohol: 8%
Price: 56kr
Systembolaget: 10077 (sold out)

This is a double dry-hopped double IPA (DIPA) brewed in collaboration with Beak Brewery and Verdant Brewing Co. It features a malt base of barley, wheat, and oats, with a hop profile that includes Citra, Simcoe, and El Dorado hops. Northern Monk is famous for producing sets of seven beers, which they call Patrons Projects, with each set brewed as a collaboration with another brewery, artist, or brand. This beer was first released as part of Northern Monk’s Patrons Project 31, which was a collaboration with an Australian born artist called Smug.

Straight away I noticed the thick, heavy body as it flowed from the can. It looked amazing, with the thick, straw coloured hazy body covered by a creamy white head that hung around for a long time. The aroma was delightful, with the massive new world hops releasing their tropical fruit peel and pine needle notes.  This all followed suit into the taste, with every inch of the tastebuds coated in the well-balanced bitterness and fruit. The aftertaste was warming, with the 8% doing its job well. The pine and tangerine peel lasted on the palate the longest, leaving the mouth refreshed.

Massive, juicy, and delicious, I personally thought that this was the best of the Northern Monk beers at this tasting. The intense citrus fruit and pine needles were well balanced with the malt and create a simply delicious DIPA. Excellence in a can!