So, in case you haven't heard (either because you're from foreign or you've been locked into that house-under-the-rock of yours), Ireland is hot. Very hot. And despite what the pink-skinned sun-worshippers say, it's too hot. A man can work up a thirst very fast in this uncharacteristic heat.
Thankfully, my Howling Gale Ale supply is still trickling along nicely, but this past weekend I felt a craving for something I hadn't had in a while - proper hops. Not that HGA is lacking in the lupuline department; to me it's the perfect example of an American style pale ale. But no, what I wanted was something a little more imbalanced.
Being as it was the afternoon, I opted for a can of Brewdog's Dead Pony Club, at a mightily sessionable 3.8%. The prospect of a beer that delivered a big hoppy punch without much, you know, punch, seemed to good to be true...
However, the nose promised immediate satisfaction, with pungent, dank, fruity, pine-needle hops to the fore. It smells like Citra, and a quick round of the internet confirms this, although I have to admit I wouldn't have identified the other hops used (Simcoe and HBC). The ball keeps rolling on the palate with that hop kick opening up. Citrus fruit aplenty, with the aforementioned pine and peel notes coming through too. Unfortunately, momentum slows down just after this. There's a slight presence of biscuity malt in the background, but ultimately it's a tough find, and the effect is of a beer that lacks body. My guess is that this can be attributed to the low alcohol content, but overall, it doesn't damage the experience too much.
For the extra 9c, Punk IPA in a can is a better investment. Yes, it's higher in alcohol, but just drink less. That said, if a lower alcohol beer is what you're after, Dead Pony Club is a fantastic option to have.
Now all we need is more craft beer in cans. That goes for you, Metalman!
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