The road to craft beer super stardom isn’t without hiccups. There are obstacles to hurdle, brick walls to scale, and pitfalls to avoid. It’s all a part of growing pains; one lives and one learns. That, one believes, is what Hall Brewing Co. is currently undergoing with their Farmhouse IPA (5.8% ABV). The beer just needs a few more tweaks.
Color: Farmhouse IPA is clear and dark orange or perhaps coppery. The first sign of trouble is noticed when looking at the foam—there isn’t any. Typically, IPAs have a somewhat thick and persistent head. This has nothing except a few thin wisps when it’s given a vigorous swirl.
Aroma: The aromas wafting out of this beer are quite pleasant: tropical like passion fruit and tea-like.
Taste: While strong on its caramel backbone, Farmhouse IPA doesn’t bring much to the table in the way of hops. There’s a light black pepper flavor but, beyond that, not much else. The IPA is the vehicle in which brewers showcase hops to their fullest potential; this beer doesn’t quite live up to that potential.
Mouthfeel: Suspicions first aroused in the beer’s appearance are confirmed: this beer was not properly carbonated. It’s essentially flat. Otherwise, it is drying and light on the palate.
Don’t give up on this one, beer geeks; the flavor, overall, is pretty good it just needs more hops and better carbonation. It’s a speed bump to overcome but not an insurmountable task. Give them a few more chances.
Farmhouse IPA is available in select Denver-area liquor stores.
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