Behind the Bar - Jack Brand Crystal Rye IPA
Author: Barmacral Tigana
England has one of greatest brewing traditions in the world, being the origin of many popular modern styles including the Porter, Stout, and India Pale Ale (IPA). The IPA style originated as an export out of London being sent to the emerging market in India and eventually became popular within England. It nearly died out in the 20th century before being revived in the modern craft beer revolution – most notably with the American West Coast IPA style.
This month we will combine both new and old in the IPA world and check out Jack Brand Crystal IPA by Adnams Southwold, an English brewery / distillery and pub chain.
The colour of the beer is a reddish amber and the white head poured large and lasting, the lacing sticking long to the sides of the glass. Packed with American hops in the West Coast style this beer smells of tropical fruits with aromas of mango, pineapple, and citrusy fruits like oranges and grapefruit. The flavour of the beer is sweet and fruity consistent with the nose, and the mouthfeel is sticky, with a mild bitterness lingering long after the mouthful of beer is gone. The rye shines through in the mouthfeel and in providing a backbone to the malt, making the beer well balanced and robust.
Rating: 3.75 / 5 – Well balanced and delicious, this beer is bold with the hops but balances with the malt nicely. If you like bitter beers, you’ll like this one.
Beer Facts: Beer clean glass
Nothing gives away a dirty glass faster than beer, as bubbles will only cling to the glass where there is dirt. The proper method of cleaning a beer glass includes a three sink setup with a non-oil based soap, a rinse sink, and a sanitizer sink. This of course isn’t usually possible outside of a professional setting and usually at home the dishwasher or a proper cleaning at the sink will do. Before you pour your beer though you should always rinse the glass with cold water. This does three things:
- Cools the glass to the right temperature
- Removes any sanitizer residue (or soap if you are at home)
- Prepares the glass for the beer to ensure the best presentation of the beer (assuming it is poured correctly).
Note: Never chill your glass in a freezer, this is bad for the beer.
