We’re reviewing the entire Northern Powerhouse Brew Series – and shock horror, we pull out a big hitter right off the bat!
This DIPA poured with the appearance of murky pineapple juice, with not a chance of seeing through the glass. The aroma is muted orange juice, with a little savoury note in there to soften the sharp citrus and just a hint of sweetness in the background.
The taste is surprisingly leaning more to the savoury, definitely up front, with pithy orange, pineapple and a little mango sneaking in at the end. A little surprised by the alcohol presence here, as there is a distinct sharp boozy kick. It adds a bitter finish but it’s ever so slightly more abrasive than expected.
It seems almost beyond that youthful hop burn you expect in such a heavily hopped beer but I’d expect it to mellow out over time somewhat and it doesn’t stop this being a very good beer. All in all, a very happy start.
If you haven’t been to Box Social when you’ve been in Newcastle, add it to your bar rotation. It’s a cracking little venue hiding behind Newcastle train station and they put out some very interesting beers of their own as well as providing train beers.
