Brew Review Score Card
Cream of Strata IPA
ABV
6.3%
IBU
IPA - New England IPAs
Basqueland Brewing
Basque Country, Spain
Notes
Score
74
/100
Formed in 2015 this Brewery has quickly gained a solid reputation on the brew scene in Europe. A team of Basque, American, Catalan and Scottish background have formed an adventerous and uncompromising brewing attitude that has won Spanish national awards with regularity.
Cream of Strata comes from the ever expanding "cream of..." range and the Stata hop is a twenty first century new hop breed and is noted for providing the kind of balance ony normally achieved by blending hop varieties.
The New England syle of IPA tend to use hops during fermentation rather than on the boil which reduces bitterness. It is normally unfiltered which gives it a hazy appearance and often have oats added to brig out a creamy finish, and these mouthwatering principles combine in full force in this splendid beer.
A murky, grapfruit juice with a thin white head the cloudy depths are inticing and the nose is exciting. Strong and intense grapefruit and hops fill the nose and it is no surprise that this glass gets raised to the mouth with speed and enthusiasm.
The taste is satisfying. Light carbonation opens up notes of lemon and moist sponge cake. a touch of lactose gives it a smooth and creamy finish helps give body to a fusion of tropical fruit.
The mildest of bitter touches fades on the after taste, with almost no perceptible alcohol wash. Perhaps the only negative observation is the speed the after taste falls away.
This is a gorgeous pint, no question. A beer made by masters, look out for the rest of the "Cream of..." range from these boys. Outstanding!
Head over to the Basqueland website if you are interested in ordering a tasty pack of this brew
Scorecard
Appearance (10)
8
Freshly squeezed breakfast grapefruit juice
Aroma (10)
Taste (30)
6
22
Citrus notes, grapefruit and hops
Formidable, fresh and full. Mango, grapefruit and hops galore
Aftertaste (20)
12
Does fade fast, mild bitterness on the back of the tongue
Drinkability (30)
26
Almost a session beer, smooth, light carbonation and refreshing
TOTAL (100)
74
A juicy, smooth and highly drinkable IPA. Drink it now!!