Name: Astral Traveling (May 2020)
Brewer: Half Baked Brewing Collective (Philippines)
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.9%
Review Year: 2020
Chris of the Half Baked Brewing Collective just released the latest outturn of Astral Traveling, a Double IPA that showcases assertive and bright citrus profiles. This Double IPA features the hop varieties that include Cryo Citra and Amarillo among others and was then fermented using a tandem of Sach Trois and Vermont yeasts.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Double IPA (22A) in the context of the 2015 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Poured from a growler, Astral Traveling has a very enticing yellow-orange color. This is probably one of the best looking hazy beers released locally this year. This Double IPA has a white head but does not last long, which might be something related to it being served from a growler.
The nose is quite assertive mirroring notes of semi-ripe mangoes, guavas, and tangerines. Notable sharp aromas are present and are reminiscent of unripe lime peels and alcohol. Underneath, there is a soft fragrant nectar-like note that melds the mentioned descriptors together.
This Double IPA is medium-bodied with moderately low carbonation, which could, again, be related to the fact that this beer was served from a growler. Palate sensation is quite dry and bready and becomes more evident as the beer warms. The overall perceived flavor balance is hop-driven as expected from the style. In particular, the hops reveal assertive bright citrus notes akin to lemon peel together with some unripe guavas and dried mangoes. The malts and yeast may have contributed to bready characters to the beer. While Astral Traveling is a Double IPA, the bitterness is slightly tempered, manifesting in the form of lemon peel. Beyond these citrus and bready notes, faint spice-like notes, particularly, peppers and star anise add some complexity. A prickling sensation is also noted. Astral Traveling leaves the palate quite dry, but the aftertaste lingers with lemon peel, star anise, and some citrus fruit acidity.
THE VERDICT
We think this batch of Astral Traveling is not the best hazy beer Chris had created but still is a notable one. While the appearance and aroma are strengths of this release, the flavor could offer more ripe and sweet fruity flavors and/or hop bitterness, depending on which direction this Double IPA would pursue. Interestingly, this outturn of Astral Traveling reminds us strongly of a previous hazy beer from Chris, the Ecto Cooler, but with its aromas, flavors and alcohol content bumped two notches higher.
Read More: Half Baked Brewing Collective “Ecto Cooler” New England Pale Ale”
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