Style: Brut IPA
Brewery: Bryggverket
Origin: Umeå
Size: 33cl
Alcohol: 7.5%
Price: 40kr
Systembolaget: 33996
This was the second beer we tried from Bryggverket at this tasting. The style of Brut IPA was only invented in 2018, when the enzyme amyloglucosidase was added to a brew. This enzyme breaks down residual sugar left during the brewing process to leave almost no sweetness in the finished product. This results in a bone dry IPA that is similar in mouthfeel to champagne, hence the Brut name. Released in 2019 at the height of the “Brut IPA” phase that swept the world, this is one of the few examples of the style to continue to be successful. This is produced using a variety of different grains, such as Pilsner malt, Wheat, Flaked Torrefied Rice, Flaked Maize and Flaked Torrefied Oats. Nelson Sauvin and Lupomax Citra hops are added for bitterness and flavour.
This was a light pale straw colour with a solid haze and medium head. Citrus, yeast and a deep hop aroma presented themselves vividly upon smelling. This was extremely easy to drink, with the light citrus notes blending well with the hits of pine. There were also subtle suggestions of peach and mango in the background when tasted. This is all about the champagne style dry aftertaste though, and in that respect it fulfilled the criteria wonderfully. The mouth was left extremely dry, crisp and refreshed. The alcohol was well hidden, with the 7.5% leaving a mild warmth in the throat yet no boozy notes that are obvious.
Overall, this may not be the most flavour rich IPA you will try in your life, however it is very well-made and one of the crispest IPA you will find locally. If you are looking for something bubbly that isn’t champagne, this would be a great alternative if you prefer the beer side of life.