Yeah, it’s Saturday again so we’re a day late but who cares.. we’re in the Crimbo Limbo and not many know what on earth is going on.

One of us actually thought it was Friday today. Not mentioning any names… Sam.

Happy New Year to you all from Muse on Booze. 

 

BREWER: Art Brew, Devon

STYLE: Orange IPA

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 500ml bottle

MOB RATING: 52%

 

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

How do I feel about fruit and beers coming together in an apparent harmonious marriage?  I’m not sure. That is, I’m yet to be convinced.  To say I approach beers with fruit in the title with trepidation would be an exaggeration but it would be fair to say that I’m not overly filled with joy.  However, I’m not sure that the orange in the title refers to the flavour of this beer but rather it’s a statement of design…

 

So, how does Orange IPA stack up?  Well on first viewing not very well.  The packaging is, to be blunt, like it’s been designed by an 11 year old for their computing homework.  Alright, I might be being a little harsh, but it is lacking in creativity and when there’s so much out there for it to compete against it just doesn’t hold-up.

 

Next the main event – the opening, pour, smell and taste.  The nose is fantastic and promises so much!  Then comes the taste and that where it stops; the main event ends as quickly as it started.  The taste dashes away all the hopes that were built-up with the fabulous aroma.  I mean, it’s ok, but no more than ok. There’s no depth to the flavour and it’s hard to pitch where it belongs in the market place. 

 

Orange IPA is a bit of a battle to wrestle down too, so if you’re looking for a session beer this is not for you.

 

Could I have another of these and not be offended? Most certainly yes.  Would I chose to have another Orange  IPA, most certainly not.

.

TASTE: 25/50

NOSE: 9/10

SIPABILITY: 5/10

SESSION: 4/10

PACKAGING: 3/10

NAME: 1/5

INFO: 1/5

S-TOTAL: 48/100

 

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Orange, the humble Orange…

Actually, in my opinion, it’s one of the finest fruits. It certainly makes it into my top 5. In it’s purist form I am a huge fan. However, when it comes to Orange flavoured things I’m no longer singing it’s praises from atop of the nearest Orange tree. Whether it be cordial, chocolate or even a garnish in a GnT, Orange flavoured stuff just doesn’t really do it for me. I’m not saying I dislike it, but it’s certainly not something I’d reach for.

So in front of me I find an Orange IPA, and even though I think it looks fantastic in its bottle I’m not particularly looking forward to tasting it.

First word in my manual tasting notes was…. OOOF. Say’s it all.

Strong and curious tasting this ale gets straight to the point. Big ol’ citrusy tones hit you straight between the proverbial eyes. I personally wouldn’t even say the taste is particularly one of Orange but there is no doubting the waves of citrus relentlessly coming at you.

Now did I like it? Yeah, kinda.. it’s a weird one, but just about okay in my book. I don’t want to label it as the Marmite of the beer world as there are definitely more divisive ones out there but I could fully understand folk loving this or hating it.

Just briefly back to the look of the bottle. I really love it. I mean, it’s not the best bottle ever I know, but I admire how brave, simplistic and arty it is.

Well done Art Brew, you’re tearing up the rule book here!!

 

TASTE: 33/50

NOSE: 5/10

SIPABILITY: 2/10

SESSION: 3/10

PACKAGING: 8/10

NAME: 1/5

INFO: 4/5

J-TOTAL: 56/100

 

 

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 52%