Name: Andromeda
Brewer: The Marc’s & Tony Brewing Co. (Philippines)
Style: Specialty IPA: New England IPA
ABV: 6.2%
Review Year: 2019
The Marc’s & Tony Brewing Co. is one of the few breweries locally so far that have nailed a proper juicy hazy New England IPA (NEIPA). In fact, Andromeda was easily the fan-favorite in the 2019 MNL Beer Festival last April. A few kegs were also released in Spektral Beer Lounge the months following the festival, which drew a crowd of NEIPA fanatics filling growlers to take home (including ourselves). Finally, a cryo-hopped version of Andromeda made it to cans, albeit released in a very limited batch. Unsurprisingly, these were all sold out within a day.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA: New England IPA (21B) in the context of the provisional guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) for the said beer style. The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Andromeda is donned in hazy yellow-orange color, topped with a thick cream-like head. This contrasts with the bright pastel yellow aesthetics of the previous batches served on tap. The aroma is that of tropical pineapples, piney hops, and some sharp notes of alcohol.
Leafy vegetables in a bowl, together with tiny bits of sweet mandarin oranges and croutons is probably the best way to describe this beer’s flavor profile. This, of course, is in a somewhat sticky, medium-bodied consistency. Did someone put a few drops of cough syrup in that salad? Puckery lychee, cereal, and sucralose-based artificial sweetness join the party late but lingers after a delightful sip.
THE VERDICT
Overall, Marc’s & Tony’s first batch of Andromeda NEIPA in cans is widely considered a successful turnout. Moving forward, we would love to have more pineapples and bright fruity hop flavors to take this hazy beer a notch higher. Furthermore, a return to the bright yellow color would be of great fan service for the haze craze cultists.
