Angry Hen Brewing – Gooder Banter Köld IPA

Angry Hen Brewing – Gooder Banter Köld IPA Review

Just when you think that brewers have run out of ideas for a new style of beer another one appears. But will it be a fad? Or, a trend that catches on. So, what is this new style? -A Cold IPA-.  What is it? Well, it’s the best of both worlds, combining the crisp, refreshing qualities of a lager with the hop forwardness of an IPA. And how do you achieve that? You combine a light malt bill that would be used in a lager style beer, use a lager style yeast that is meant to ferment in cooler temperatures, and instead, you ferment at higher temperatures,(giving some nice fruity characteristics) and then you dry hop it!

The first Cold IPA that I had the opportunity to try, was from Shirley Warne, head brewer and co-owner of Angry Hen Brewing in Kaslo. The version I had was the second version of the style, (the first one was named Good Banter Kold IPA) as it turned out to be quite a popular beer. This version used a Kolsch yeast and it was dry-hopped with Mosiac (resiny/fruity) and Idaho 7 hops (piney, tropical, citrus).

This beer pours a rich golden colour, something you would expect to see in an IPA, with good carbonation and a great head of foam. The aroma is quite a blend of light caramel and nuttiness from the malts and citrus, grassiness, pine, and a hint of green tea from the hops. The mouthfeel is dry, clean, and refreshing with a good body to it, and ever so drinkable.

I’m not much of a lager drinker, but after having this Cold IPA, I will certainly be looking for more to try. Cheers to new styles!